With the Victoria Day long weekend — the unofficial start to summer travel — in the rear-view mirror, and warmer weather here to stay, expect B.C.’s highways to once again be busy with motorcyclists hitting the road.
This means that riders need to freshen up their skills, and other drivers need to take more care. Motorcyclists are more than three times (325 per cent) more likely to be injured or killed in a crash in B.C. compared to those in passenger vehicles. Motorcyclists are significantly over-represented in fatalities on B.C. roads: they make up only four per cent of insured vehicles in B.C., yet riders account for 14 per cent of deaths on our roads.
Every month from May to October, 158 motorcyclists are injured or killed in crashes in B.C. In the Southern Interior, 35 motorcyclists are injured or killed each month during that same time period.
Some 34 per cent of motorcycle crashes are single vehicle crashes, and in B.C. 65 per cent of motorcycle riders involved in crashes are injured or killed. The average age of a motorcyclist who is injured or killed in crashes in B.C. is 46 years, while the average age of a licensed motorcyclist in B.C. is 56 years.
The lack of protection from a vehicle for riders means it’s important that they wear gear every time they ride, regardless of the weather or length of their trip.
“Tragically, we are seeing too many motorcycle-related incidents and fatalities in British Columbia that are preventable,” says Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a great reminder that we all share responsibility for road safety. I’m calling on all drivers and riders to stay alert, stay sober, stay within speed limits, and for all riders to wear proper protective gear.”
Riders can’t assume that a driver has seen them and will yield right-of-way, and drivers might not be able to accurately judge a motorcycle’s distance or speed. Riders also need to stay out of drivers’ blind spots, and always use their signals, so that drivers can anticipate their next move and react in time.
Drivers need to take an extra moment to look for motorcycles (and other vulnerable road users) when turning left, and leave plenty of following distance between themselves and 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.
