Motorcycle safety tips

Motorcycle fatalities continue to be of serious concern in BC. According to provincial data, motorcycles make up about 3% of insured vehicles, yet they make up approximately 10% of road fatalities. On average, 32 riders are killed and 2,400 crashes involving motorcycles occur on BC roads every year.

In 2012, the provincial government made amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act in an effort to improve motorcycle safety in BC.

Motorcycle safety laws (helmet and seating):

• Motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear Snell, ECE or DOT compliant helmets.

• In addition to improved helmet laws, seating laws require motorcycle riders to keep their feet placed on the foot pegs or floorboards or be seated in a sidecar. Violation of seating requirements will be treated as stunt riding and will result in motorcycle impoundment and fines. Impoundment is mandatory.

Safety tips and best practices:

• Wear an approved helmet. DOT, Snell or ECE approved helmets are now law in BC. Ensure you display proper label in order to avoid being checked by police. Look for an expiry date and update your helmet if necessary;

• Always carry out a visual inspection of the motorcycle (tires, oil levels, brakes, gas);

• Wear highly visible protective gear including jacket, pants, gloves and riding boots. Choose clothing that has fluorescent material and reflective striping;

• Make sure all riders are properly seated and can reach the foot pegs. This is now the law in BC;

• Double your awareness, particularly at intersections. Visual contact with all other road users is a must and remains a highly effective way to avoid collisions. More collisions occur at intersections than anywhere else;

• Always respect speed limits and where needed, adjust your speed for the conditions and when approaching road curves in order to negotiate them properly.