The following article on ways drives can reduce motorcycle crashes this summer was just released by ICBC. As we all know, there are only two routes into our town. Both involve twisty, windy roads. And as we also all know, every summer there’s a biker down on these roads. All things being equal … oh yeah wait, they are not. When a motorcycle and a vehicle collide, the motorcyclist suffers the most damage. Motorcyclists and drivers both should read the following article. -Britt

---

ICBC calls on drivers to reduce motorcycle crashes this summer

ICBC is urging drivers to watch out for motorcyclists on our roads as ridership and crashes peak in summer, with six riders injured every day in July and August in B.C.*

“In B.C., more than six in 10 car crashes involving motorcycles happen at intersections,” said Lindsay Matthews, ICBC’s director responsible for road safety. “It can be hard to judge how fast a motorcycle is travelling, so drivers need to watch carefully when turning left and be ready to yield the right-of-way. Whether you’re riding a motorcycle or driving a car, do your part to share our roads safely and keep your mind on the road.”

Vehicle drivers are at fault in nearly 80 per cent of crashes with motorcycles where the rider is seriously injured.* Distracted driving and failing to yield the right-of-way are the top contributing factors for drivers in crashes with motorcyclists.**

[sam id=”15″ codes=”true”]Approximately 34 per cent of crashes involve only motorcycle riders.* Inattention/distraction and speed are the top contributing factors for riders in crashes.**

Tips for drivers:

• Watch carefully for motorcycles as they’re harder to see at dusk, at night, in heavy traffic and bad weather.
• Look twice for motorcycles at intersections and be ready to yield the right-of-way when turning left.
• Give lots of space when passing a motorcycle and allow at least three seconds following distance when you’re behind a motorcycle.
• Make eye contact whenever possible to let motorcyclists know that you’ve seen them.

Tips for riders:

• Protect yourself from serious injury by always wearing safety gear designed for riding and a helmet that meets DOT, Snell M2005, M2010, M2015 or ECE safety standards.
• Choose gear that gives you the best chance of being seen—bright colours and reflective materials. Do your best to stay out of drivers’ blind spots.
• Prior to reaching a curve, plan your path through it. Reduce your speed and adjust your lane position. Always look in the direction you want to go.
• Read other drivers’ language—never assume they’ve seen you or will give you the right of way. They may not accurately judge your distance or speed of approach.
• 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 tips for drivers and riders on icbc.com.

---

Notes

• *ICBC (injury) and police (fatality) data from 2009 to 2013.
• **Top contributing factors assigned to drivers in car crashes in B.C. involving cyclist injury or fatality based on 2009 to 2013 police data.

---

Statistics:

• On Vancouver Island, on average, 70 motorcyclists are injured and two are killed in crashes in July and August every year.
• On average, 350 motorcyclists are injured and 13 are killed in car crashes in July and August every year in B.C.

---

Resources

• Tips for motorcycle riders and drivers
• Tuning up for riders
• Helmet safety standards
• Original release from ICBC

---