Motorcyclists encounter them on our roads everyday. Drivers who insist on eating that juicy cheeseburger while trying to focus on the road. Others have their head down trying to find that specific song on their ipod. There are the drivers who attempt to drink a hot cup of coffee while talking on a cell phone that is balanced between their shoulder and their ear all while trying to keep their vehicle from crossing into the next lane. And what about the nation-wide texting while driving concern that kicked off hundreds of distracted driving initiatives across Canada and the U.S.? Each and every one of these distractions causes a serious risk to motorcyclists across Saskatchewan.
Simply riding a motorcycle is a risk that riders take into consideration every time they get on their bikes.
According to the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, the number of motorcycle related collisions is increasing across Canada. With less protection than a passenger vehicle, motorcycles lack safety features including an enclosed driving compartment, seatbelts and airbags. Since motorcycles represent only 2% of registered vehicles on Canadian roads they are often unintentionally ignored. Drivers may also have trouble seeing a motorcycle approaching because of its small size. For drivers of passenger vehicles, adding distractions to the task of driving becomes a hazard for motorcyclists, other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
"When you factor in the growing number of driver distractions to the motorcycle riding experience, it becomes extremely high risk for riders to be out on our roads," says Barry Muir, Chief Motorcycle Instructor with the Saskatchewan Safety Council. "Drivers who choose to drive distracted may increase their chances of being involved in a collision with a motorcycle. That one collision may cause a life-threatening injury or even a fatality for a motorcyclist."
While the motorcycle riding season is already well underway, there are a few tips that the Saskatchewan Safety Council would like to remind drivers about when driving in traffic with motorcycles:
Motorcycles are small in size and may look farther away than they actually are.
It may be difficult to judge the speed of a motorcycle that is coming up behind you because of its size.
Motorcycles can easily hide in a vehicle's blind spot making them invisible to other drivers; take extra precautions when changing lanes or turning at intersections.
Motorcyclists often roll off the throttle to slow down instead of braking; always keep a safe distance between you and a motorcycle.
Motorcyclists adjust lane position for a reason, not to be reckless; most likely they are trying to reduce the effects of road debris, passing vehicles or wind.
Driving while distracted should never happen. It could mean the difference between life and death for a motorcyclist.
Formed in 1955, the Saskatchewan Safety Council is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to the prevention of injuries and fatalities in Saskatchewan. Through safety programs, courses and public awareness events the Council works to educate individuals and businesses about the importance of safety at home, work and play.
For more information on the Saskatchewan Safety Council's Motorcycle Training Program or to register for an upcoming course, please visit www.sasksafety.org.
