May, 2001

Motorcycle safety for summer

With summer just around the corner, it's the time of year again when motorists can expect to see motorcycles on the road beside them. The increase in vehicles on the road coupled with the increased variety of vehicles on the road means all motorists must adjust their driving behaviour to increase everyone's chances of a safe ride.

"We want drivers to remember that motorcycles are just like any other vehicle and must obey all rules of the road," says Shannon Ell, Supervisor of SGI's Traffic Safety Promotion. "This also means that other drivers need to respect motorcycles in the lane next to them."

Motorcycles need to use the entire width of their lane like all other vehicles. A good rider is constantly changing positions in the lane in order to increase the ability to see and to be seen.

Ell advises drivers to remember that motorcycles are more agile than cars, making their movements more difficult to predict. This is why the same three-second following distance given to other vehicles should also be given to motorcycles. Following a motorcycle too closely might distract the rider from the road, which can lead to an accident, says Ell.

While there are measures drivers can take to prevent accidents with motorcycles, there are also things motorcycle riders can do to contribute to road safety.

"Hopping on a motorcycle is a exhilarating experience, but only if you know what you're doing," says Ell. "The best way to prepare for a safe ride is to ensure you have the proper training."

The Saskatchewan Safety Council offers motorcycle training courses in Regina and Saskatoon each summer between May and July. The courses cost $185 and last for 22 hours each.

"We recommend the course for anyone who's considering getting their motorcycle driver's licence, newly licensed riders or experienced riders who are looking to improve their driving technique and get rid of some bad habits. It covers things like riding tactics, why you should always wear a helmet, and how to ride in urban traffic - basically everything a motorcyclist needs to know to ride safely," says Randy Poole, Traffic Safety Coordinator with the Saskatchewan Safety Council.

The course is not mandatory for a driver's licence, but recommended. It teaches safety techniques that every motorcyclist should know and use, says Poole.

Among the points the course explains is why it's important to always wear a helmet. In Saskatchewan, the law says riders and passengers must wear approved helmets and have them properly fastened.

"Head injuries are extremely serious and are often fatal. Wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of brain injury by 85 per cent," says Ell. "Becoming a safe and skilled rider isn't difficult, and it can increase your enjoyment throughout the motorcycle season."

For more information, contact:
Shannon Ell
Supervisor, Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI Communications
Regina
(306) 775-6179

Back to News Releases