RoadSmart Report | May, 2002

Motorcycle safety

The warm weather is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of motorcyclists craving the freedom of their bikes on the open road. To ensure a safe riding season it’s important that all drivers adjust their behaviour to increase everyone’s chance of staying collision free.

“Because of a motorcycle’s low crash protection and high performance capabilities, the motorcyclist is at a high risk for being killed or severely injured in a collision,” says Shannon Ell, Supervisor of SGI’s Traffic Safety Promotion.

In the five-year period from 1997 to 2001 there were 957 collisions involving motorcycles in Saskatchewan. They resulted in 685 injuries and 14 deaths.

“These statistics are especially alarming for Saskatchewan, since the riding season is only five or six months,” Ell said. “The skills needed to avoid many of these collisions are learned through training, experience and practice. Before you venture out on a motorcycle, seek out and take proper training.”

The Saskatchewan Safety Council offers motorcycle training courses in Regina and Saskatoon each summer between May and July. The courses cost $225 and last for 30 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 riding techniques,” says Randy Poole, Traffic Safety Coordinator with the Saskatchewan Safety Council. “It teaches safety techniques that every motorcyclist should know and use.”

While it is crucial for motorcyclists to improve their riding skills and knowledge, it is also important for other drivers to understand that motorcycles need to be respected like any other vehicle on the road.

Ell advises drivers to remember that motorcycles are more agile than cars, making their movements more difficult to predict. It’s important to keep a safe following distance—just as you would behind any other vehicle. Following a motorcycle too closely might distract the rider from the road, which can lead to a crash, says Ell.

Motorcycles need a full lane width like all other vehicles. A good rider is constantly changing positions within a lane to increase his ability to see and be seen, and to avoid objects on the road.

“Never move into the same lane with a motorcycle,” Ell says. “Even if the lane is wide and the cyclist is riding to one side. It is not only illegal, it is extremely dangerous.”

Bad weather and slippery surfaces can cause greater problems for motorcycles than cars. Ell recommends allowing more following distance for motorcycles when the road surface is wet and slippery.

Being aware of these situations can help you share the road safely with all cyclists.

Contact:
Shannon Ell, Supervisor
Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6179