Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Motorcycling requires special skills
Riding a motorcycle is much different than driving a car. Motorcyclists aren’t protected by seatbelts, airbags or sturdy framework. Their injuries are generally about four times as severe as those in other vehicles. Stay safe by taking a few precautions.
Keep a safe lane position
Occupy your lane so that you can see traffic ahead and other vehicles won’t try to crowd into your space. Avoid riding between the tire tracks, where leaked engine oil sometimes makes the road slippery. Don’t dart from lane to lane, and never ride between driving lanes to pass vehicles. Make sure you’re visible.
Gear up
Protect your entire body. Wear an approved helmet and eye protection. Wear a sturdy jacket (leather or ballistic nylon), denim pants and leather boots covering your ankles. Passengers need the same protective gear as drivers.
Take a lesson
Learn the special skills of motorcycling from a professional instructor. Safety Services Manitoba offers motorcycle safety courses.
For other drivers on the road
Motorcycles can easily be lost in a car’s or truck’s blind spot. Look twice when changing lanes. This also applies when making left-hand turns across traffic. There might be a motorcycle hidden behind oncoming cars. And remember to give yourself more stopping distance when following a motorcycle. Maintain at least four seconds distance – more at night or in rain. Motorcycles may stop much faster than a car or truck.
Most accidents involving motorcycles happen because the motorcycle wasn’t seen. So be visible. And behind the wheel, take a second look.
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
