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By CKPG Today

Motorcycle safety

ICBC preaches motorcycle safety

Apr 30, 2024 | 11:15 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — With spring upon us and motorcycles back on our roads, ICBC is urging riders and drivers to take the proper steps to make sure we all stay safe.

Motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of being injured in a crash than drivers due to their lack of protection. ICBC says the average age of a motorcyclist injured or killed in crashes in B.C. is 45-years-old.

“We know motorcyclists are enthusiastic about seeing our beautiful province by bike and we want to help keep them safe this season,” said Shabnem Afzal, ICBC’s director of road safety. “As a rider, wear gear every time you ride. Riders and drivers need to stay focused on the road, leave plenty of space, and choose safe speeds to prevent crashes.”

Tips for drivers:

• Six out of ten crashes involving a motorcycle in B.C. happen at an intersection. Stay alert, scan intersections carefully and take an extra moment to look for motorcycles when you’re turning left. They can be harder to see than vehicles – especially for large trucks.
• The top contributing factor for drivers in motorcycle crashes is distraction followed by speed and following too closely. Stay alert, travel at a safe speed and allow at least three or four seconds of following distance when behind a motorcycle. When passing a motorcyclist, leave at least one metre of space or 1.5 metres when on a highway with a speed limit over 50 km/h.
• Be ready to yield as a motorcycle is often closer than it seems and it can be hard to tell how fast they’re travelling.

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Tips for riders:

• If you’re getting on a bike after a long break, it’s important to refresh your skills before riding again. ICBC’s learn to ride smart and tuning up for riders guides will help you freshen up your knowledge and skills. Practice emergency braking, obstacle avoidance and other core skills in a safe place like an empty parking lot.
• The top contributing factor for motorcyclists in crashes is distraction followed by speed and rider error/confusion. It’s important to stay focused on the road and drive at a safe speed that leaves enough time to stop or steer out of a vehicle’s path if necessary and reduce your risk of crashing.
• When you wear protective gear, you’re less likely to be seriously injured in a crash so make sure you wear gear every time you ride, regardless of the weather or how long the ride will be. Buy the best gear you can afford and make sure your helmet is in good condition.
• Never assume a driver has seen you or will give you the right-of-way, they may not accurately judge your distance or speed. Do your best to stay out of a driver’s blind spot.
• Use your signals to let drivers know what you plan to do so they can anticipate your next move and react in time.

Statistics*

• In the Lower Mainland, on average, 577 people are injured in crashes involving a motorcyclist from May to September.
• On Vancouver Island, on average, 198 people are injured in crashes involving a motorcyclist from May to September.
• In the Southern Interior, on average, 237 people are injured in crashes involving a motorcyclist from May to September.
• In northern B.C., on average, 41 people are injured in crashes involving a motorcyclist from May to September.
• In British Columbia, on average, 1,060 people are injured in crashes involving a motorcyclist from May to September.

*ICBC crash data from 2018 to 2022 (five year average). Motorcycle includes mopeds, limited speed motorcycles, scooters and trikes.