EDMONTON - As the summer months welcomes motorists across the province, RCMP say it's important to work together to ensure driver and passenger safety.
In keeping with the RCMP's goal of keeping Albertans safe on roads and highways, the Alberta RCMP encourages motorcyclists to adopt safe driving behaviours that reduce the risk of collisions.
Safe motorcycling begins long before hitting the pavement. By planning ahead, citizens can ride towards a safer future for themselves and everyone else on the road. Here are some safety tips for drivers and motorcycle riders:
· Wear a helmet - By wearing an approved motorcycle helmet, motorcyclists are, according to the Alberta Ministry of Transportation, 37 per cent less likely to sustain a fatal injury in a collision. If a helmet has been damaged, RCMP are strongly urging it be replaced with a new one. Used helmets could be broken in ways that can’t always be seen.
· Gear up - The right gear will protect motorcyclists and keep them comfortable while they ride. Along with a helmet, riders should wear shatterproof eye protection, a durable, brightly coloured jacket, long pants, leather footwear that protects the ankles, full fingered, non-slip gloves and all-weather-proof riding clothes.
· Stay bright and in sight - Wearing high visibility safety gear in colours like orange, yellow and white instantly draws other motorists’ eyes to riders. Remember, motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles. Staying out of blind spots on roadways and in parking lots will help keep other vehicles aware of a rider's presence.
· Showing off does not pay off – but driving defensively does - Never underestimate the speed of a motorcycle. Its size makes speed deceptive. Driving defensively means being aware of the rider's surroundings, sharing the road, and changing lanes with extreme caution.
· Practice makes perfect. Riders should practise 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 has launched a four-month summer vehicle safety campaign to promote general traffic safety tips for motorcyclists, ATV riders and boaters, as well as educate and raise awareness of the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. Police remind the public to stay engaged and share these messages with family, loved ones and friends using the hashtag #RCMPSummerSafety.
