Traffic safety tips: Motorcycle safety

Motorcyclists are back on Alberta’s roads; keeping an eye out for them could save lives.

As spring weather brings more motorcycles onto Alberta’s roads, it’s important for all road users to stay alert and share the road responsibly to ensure everyone gets home safe. Motorcycle crashes can lead to serious injury or death because riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle.

Unfortunately, about one-third of collisions involving a motorcycle end in death or injury, compared with about one in 10 deaths or injures for all other vehicle collisions.

When driving, please remember:
• Be aware of motorcyclists.
• Be cautious when driving near motorcyclists because they are smaller and less visible than cars.

Motorcyclists can improve their own safety by doing the following:
• Ride defensively and avoid blind spots.
• Obtain the proper training – motorcycles demand a high degree of skill.
• Start out on a smaller bike if you’re a new driver and move up to a bigger bike when you have more experience.
• Focus on riding with no distractions. Riding takes all of your attention.
• Wear the right gear, including a certified helmet, leathers, closed shoes and eye protection.

Keep safe out there!