ICBC calls on drivers and motorcycle riders to share the road
“This year the warmer weather arrived early so all drivers need to already be thinking about sharing the road responsibly to reduce crashes involving vulnerable road users like motorcyclists,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Most car crashes involving motorcycles happen in intersections. Drivers need to always look out for motorcyclists ― especially when turning left. And riders should never assume a driver has seen them.”
“Motorcycles are inherently smaller and riders aren’t protected by a frame, seatbelts, airbag and bumpers,” said Mark Blucher, ICBC’s president and CEO. “As a result, motorcycle crashes also tend to lead to more severe injury claims compared to those involving vehicle drivers.”
Tips for drivers:
- Always scan intersections and look carefully for motorcycles.
- When turning left — look for oncoming motorcycles. Motorcycles can be hard to see, especially at night, at dusk, in bad weather or in heavy traffic. The safest choice is to yield the right of way to an oncoming rider as it can be hard to tell how fast they’re travelling.
- Make eye contact — whenever possible, let motorcyclists know that you’ve seen them.
- Don’t assume that a rider in the left part of the lane is planning to turn left. Some riders do this to be more visible.
- Watch the rider for clues — sometimes a motorcycle’s turn signals are hard to see. If the rider shoulder checks or the motorcycle leans, the rider is probably planning to change lanes, adjust lane position or turn.
Tips for riders:
- All the gear, all the time ― Choose a jacket and pants made for motorcycle riding; sturdy gloves that cover your wrists and protect your knuckles; and boots that protect your ankles. Street clothes offer little or no protection from the weather or in a crash.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing that comes with ventilation to help prevent over-heating. Use a safety vest or clothing that features fluorescent material or reflective striping to help make you more visible, day and night.
- Passengers should also wear motorcycle gear for the best protection.
- According to the law in B.C., you must wear a motorcycle helmet that meets DOT, Snell or ECE standards. Be sure it displays the proper label and meets safety-helmet labelling requirements.
- When approaching an intersection, adjust your lane position and reduce your speed so you’ll have time to stop if you need to.
Get more driver and rider tips on icbc.com.
*All statistics are based on a five-year average using 2009 to 2013 police (fatality) and ICBC data. Includes low-speed motorcycles (scooters and mopeds).