Motorcycle enthusiasts have recently been enjoying some of the first opportunities of the season to hit the open road after leaving their rides safely stored away for the winter.
And while motorists certainly must be aware to keep an eye out for motorcyclists, bikers are also reminded that keeping Alberta's streets and highways safe is a responsibility that comes down on the shoulders of everyone on the roads.
So to raise awareness, the province declares May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Sometimes, an approaching motorcycle might look as though it is a sufficiently safe distance away to pull into traffic. But appearances can play tricks on your eyes.
"Never underestimate the speed of a motorcycle. Their size makes their speed deceptive," the provincial government said in a press release.
In the case of a crash, the odds are never in the favour of the motorcyclist, who has no seatbelt or protective chassis to absorb the bulk of the kinetic forces involved.
"Collisions involving motorcycles are a significant concern because there is a greater risk that it will result in a serious or fatal injury to the motorcycle driver or passenger," said Insp. Steve Daley, acting officer-in-charge for Alberta RCMP Traffic Services, in the release.
Ensuring everyone's mutual safety is a shared responsibility.
"For drivers, it means being extra vigilant, especially at intersections. Many collisions occur when a driver fails to see a motorcyclist and then turns left in front of the motorcycle," said Daley.
Meanwhile, riders should always attempt to position their motorcycle in such a way as to avoid being in another driver's blindspot, he said.
The following are a few tips to help make sure every biker travelling on the roads arrives safely at his or her destination: motorcycles are much smaller than most vehicles and can be tricky to see, so riders should take steps to ensure they're easy to spot by wearing highly visible jackets and helmets; replace a damaged helmet right away and avoid buying a used one that might be compromised from another crash; stunting and speeding off in a hurry do not pay off, and motorcyclists are urged to ride defensively.
But daily motorists also have to do their part to make sure the roads are safe.
"Share the road ó look twice for motorcyclists at intersections or when changing lanes," urges the press release.
Sounds like sage advice. A little prudence can go a long way towards avoiding a totally preventable and regrettable tragedy.
So long as we take an extra couple of seconds for safety's sake, everyone who's been looking forward to getting out on the open road should be able to enjoy safe travels this spring and summer.
ó Simon Ducatel, Round Up editor
