Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Motorcycling
requires
special
skills
Riding a motorcycle is much different than driving a car or truck because there are no seatbelts, airbags or sturdy framework. Injuries are generally four times more severe than those in other vehicles.
Stay safe by taking a few precautions:
Keep a safe lane position
Make sure you're visible. Occupy your lane so that you can see traffic
ahead and so other vehicles won't try to crowd into your space. Avoid
riding between tire tracks or driving lanes. Don't dart from lane to lane.
Gear up
Protect you and your passenger's entire body. This includes wearing an approved helmet, eye protection, sturdy jacket (leather or ballistic nylon), denim pants and leather boots that cover your ankles.
How to safely share the road with a motorcycle
Motorcycles can easily be lost in a blind spot. Look twice when changing
lanes and making left-hand turns across traffic – there might be a
motorcycle hidden behind oncoming cars. Motorcycles may stop faster
than other vehicles so when following a motorcycle, give yourself more
stopping distance – at least five or six seconds.
Most accidents involving motorcycles happen because the motorcycle
wasn't seen. When you are behind the wheel, take a second look.
Learn the skills of motorcycling from a professional instructor at one of Safety Services Manitoba's courses.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV, and check out the following on our website:
- Motorcycle Safety in Vulnerable Road Users
- Motorcycle Awareness in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second Driver video on Motorcycle Awareness directly
