The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance
May 2008

About 500 words
Speed multiplies dangers for motorcyclists

Safety experts are reminding motorcyclists to polish up their defensive driving tactics this spring as they return to Manitoba streets and highways.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility among all drivers,” says Lou Gervino, Manager of Driver Education and Training for Manitoba Public Insurance. “However, motorcyclists don’t have the same protection around them that a car driver does and should exercise extra caution.”

Drivers, for their part, need to be on the lookout for motorcyclists. Double-check your blind spots where it's easy to miss a small vehicle like a motorcycle. Don't tailgate, and remember to give bikes the same space -- and respect -- you'd give a vehicle. Drivers of cars and trucks should remember to look twice at intersections for approaching motorcycles.

Statistics show that the risk of injury during a collision on two wheels is much greater than on four. Between 2002 and 2006 there were 713 injuries from collisions involving motorcycles. Of these, 95 per cent were sustained by motorcyclists and five percent by other road users.

“The greater the speed, the greater the risk for serious injury or death,” Gervino says. “Just as motorcyclists should thoroughly check their bikes and equipment before getting back on the road, they should also consciously think about a few defensive driving strategies.”

1. Protect yourself. Always wear an approved helmet, gloves, boots that cover your ankles, and either a denim, armoured nylon or leather jacket and pants. You should also make sure your eyes are adequately protected from the wind and air particles.

2. Avoid blind spots. Motorcycles can be difficult to spot compared to larger cars and trucks. When passing another vehicle, stay out of its blind spot until you’ve fully committed to passing, and then do so as quickly as you safely and legally can. The less time spent in another driver’s blind spot, the safer you’ll be.

3. Don’t make assumptions. Other drivers may or may not see you approach, especially when you’re travelling behind another vehicle. Slow down when approaching intersections and be on guard for indications that another driver hasn’t seen you.

4. Beware of road conditions. Loose gravel, potholes or wet pavement usually aren’t serious hazards for cars or trucks, but they can be extremely dangerous for motorcycles. Slow down and drive to the conditions. And if you travel at night, remember that your own visibility will be reduced even further.

5. Slow down. The faster you go, the less time you and other drivers have to react. For 2002-2006, there were 15 fatalities from motorcycle collisions in Manitoba. Four of the fatally injured motorcyclists weren’t wearing a helmet.

6. Don’t drink and ride. Safe motorcycling demands your full attention. Steer clear of anything that might impair your abilities, whether it’s drugs, alcohol or fatigue. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted.   

Safety Services Manitoba offers a couple of different courses on motorcycle safety. A 21-hour course, including four hours in the classroom and 17 hours on motorcycles, prepares new motorcyclists for the road. It covers everything from appropriate attire to collision avoidance.

Safety Services also offers an approved one-day practical course that will provide a more experienced driver with the basic skills required to operate a motorcycle. For more information, or to register for either the eight- or 21-hour motorcycle course, see their website at www.safetyservicesmanitoba.ca/

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© 2008 Manitoba Public Insurance

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