By Angela Brown

SGI reminds drivers, motorcyclists to be vigilant sharing road

May 29, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is reminding both vehicle drivers and motorcyclists to be vigilant and play it safe while sharing the road this summer.

“One of the things we always recommend for drivers is to watch for motorcycles,” SGI spokesperson Tyler McMurchy said. ”Especially now that the weather is nice, there are going to be more [motorbikes] out there. They are smaller and harder to see. We recommend looking twice at intersections before you go. Double-check before turning left or switching lanes.”

Based on SGI’s most recent statistics, in 2016 there were 175 collisions involving a motorcycle or moped. Those incidents resulted in 150 injuries and seven deaths.

“When a motorcycle is involved in a collision there is much more likely chance that somebody is going to be injured because there is less protection,” McMurchy added.

Similarly, he said people on motorcycles should also give themselves plenty of distance and don’t follow other vehicles too closely.

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“Make sure that you are seen,” he said. 

Motorcycle riders need to take precautions to ensure they are protected in case of a mishap also by wearing appropriate motorcycle gear including a helmet and eye protection. 

“Our general tips for motorcyclists, whether you’re an experienced rider or someone new at it, we recommend everyone take a motorcycle training course,” the safety advocate added. “Even if you’re an experienced rider you may learn some new ways to keep yourself safe.”

SGI advises people on motorcycles make themselves more visible by wearing bright or reflective gear so others can see them sooner, and ensure the lights and reflectors on their bikes are working properly.

“You want to be aware of road conditions like loose gravel and potholes,” McMurchy said. “You want to be able to respond to road hazards as well.” 

Motorbike riders should avoid riding side-by-side, and should aim to take up the entire lane themselves to be more easily visible.

McMurchy said new riders in the Graduated Driver Licensing program must wear approved three-quarter-modular or full-faced covered helmets. They also need to have their arms and legs covered for protection, and wear gloves as well as boots to cover their ankles.

There are a number of restrictions in place for new motorcycle riders, including that they not have any passengers during the nighttime. They also can’t have any drugs or alcohol in their system.

McMurchy said SGI also recommends people take motorcycle training.

“It teaches drivers the skills they need to be safe, and it could even save their life,” he said. “You’ll learn invaluable skills that will help keep you and others stay safe when you are on the road.”

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow