Photo Courtesy, ICBC
By Veronica Beltran
motorcycle season

Drivers beware of motorcycle season: Stay safe on the roads

Jun 16, 2020 | 11:25 AM

VANCOUVER—The official start to summer starts this weekend, June 20, and ICBC is reminding drivers to use caution around motorcyclists.

According to ICBC, the summer marks the peak time for motorcycle crashes; seven motorcyclists are injured every day in July and August. On average, 1,600 motorcyclists are injured and 37 are killed in 2,500 crashes every year in B.C.

In a release by ICBC, it says that police attribute distracted or inattentive driving and failing to yield right-of-way as the most common factors leading a driver to strike a motorcyclist.

“It’s important that both drivers and riders practice safe driving to keep our communities safe. Whether you’re riding a motorcycle or driving a vehicle, we all need to do our part to prevent crashes and avoid putting additional pressure on first responders and medical resources.”—Press Release, ICBC

According to statistics from ICBC 47 motorcyclists were injured in 57 crashes in 2018 in the North Central region of the province. Four motorcyclists are killed in crashes each year in the region.

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ICBC Tips for drivers:

  • Stay focused and avoid distractions that take your mind off driving and your eyes off the road
  • Scan intersections and look for motorcycles. When turning left, look carefully for oncoming motorcycles
  • Look for motorcycles before changing lanes. Due to their smaller profile, motorcycles can be harder to see, and fit more easily into your vehicle’s blind spots
  • Make a game of looking for motorcycles while you drive. Have each person in your vehicle guess how many riders you’ll see during the drive and then count them as you go. It’s a great way train yourself, and your passengers, to look for motorcyclists
  • Give lots of space when passing a motorcycle and allow at least three seconds following distance when you’re behind a motorcycle

ICBC Tips for Riders:

  • Get training – whether it’s in preparation for getting a licence, or to refresh your skills
  • Practice, practice, practice – find an empty parking lot, set up cones, and practice your turning, low-speed manoeuvers, and emergency braking skills, so they’ll be second nature when you need them on the road
  • Don’t ride more bike than you can handle. Choose a motorcycle that is a fit for your experience and skill ability. It’s important to be familiar with the handling characteristics of your ride and be able to safely manage it
  • Choose to wear safety gear designed for riding, especially gear that not only protects you from the road, but also gives you the best chance of being seen. Bright colours and reflective materials are best
  • Protect yourself from serious injury by always wearing a helmet that meets or exceeds legal requirements. Full face helmets offer the best protection. At a minimum, look for a helmet that meets DOT, Snell or ECE safety standards

ICBC has eased restrictions surrounding knowledge and skill tests, British Columbians are now able to book appointments.

by Veronica Beltran

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