Motorcyclists and those who share the road are reminded to practice safe driving as May marks Motorcycle Safety Month.
The City of Grande Prairie Enforcement Services stated it would focus on motorcycle safety for the Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP).
“All motorists are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and exercise a higher degree of caution when more vulnerable vehicles such as motorcyclists are in the vicinity,” the city said in a statement. “Motorcyclists in particular have a higher likelihood for injury in the case of an accident due to their exposed vehicle.”
“Motorcyclists should drive cautiously and defensively, never assume other motorists are aware of your presence,” the city added.
According to the city, motorists should:
- Look twice for motorcyclists at intersections, when turning, and when changing lanes.
- Never underestimate the speed of a motorcycle, their size makes their speed deceptive.
- Ensure you allow extra space between your vehicle and motorcycles as they can stop faster than other vehicles around them.
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility, whether you drive a car, truck or motorcycle,” the city said. “Help protect the lives around you by being alert and operating your motor vehicle safely.”
As the warm weather brings out more motorists, the Alberta RCMP also reminded motorcyclists to adopt safe driving behaviours in order to reduce the risk of collisions.
“With season change and warming weather, motorcycles are prevalent on our roadways. In 2018, there were 12 people killed and 232 motorcycles involved in injury collisions in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions,” said Supt. Gary Graham with Alberta RCMP Traffic Services in a statement. “These numbers are a good reason to raise awareness about safe motorcycling so that we all get to our destinations safely.”
Alberta RCMP offered the following motorcycle safety tips:
- Gear up! Along with a helmet, riders should wear shatter-proof eye protection and durable weather-proof clothes to keep you comfortable while riding.
- Stay bright and in sight! Staying out of blind spots on roadways and in parking lots will help keep other vehicles aware of your presence.
- Showing off does not pay off – but driving defensively does. Remember, motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings, share the road and change lanes with extreme caution.
- Practice makes perfect. Riders should practice on safe roads away from high traffic areas and highways to make sure they are comfortable and confident in their skills on the road.
The Alberta RCMP stated they would continue to work with Alberta Sheriffs and other law enforcement and safety partners to promote safe driving and riding. Traffic safety tips can be found on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.
–from Rogue
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