The
number of B.C. motorcyclists injured in crashes is on the rise, according to
the most recent data from ICBC.
More
than 1,600 motorcyclists were injured in 2,600 separate incidents last
year, up from 1,500 in 2015. Thirty-two motorcyclists died in 2015 as
a result of crashes.
According
to ICBC road safety manager Mark Milner, the recent trends are alarming.
"In
the last few years, we have seen an increasing number of crashes involving
motorcycles, and we've seen the number of injuries going up as well," he
said.
Milner
says accidents generally surge in the spring and into the summer — a time of
year when many riders decide to hit the road.
In
July and August, an average of six motorcyclists are injured each day in B.C.
·
Crash kills motorcyclist near Nordel
Way
·
Motorcyclist dead after crash near
Bridal Falls
·
Surrey cop seriously injured after
being hit by motorcycle
Tips for drivers
May
is motorcycle awareness month, and Milner is urging drivers to be
conscious of motorcycles on the road.
"In
the majority of multi-vehicle collisions, the other vehicle is at fault, rather
than the motorcycle."
ICBC
tips include:
·
Give extra space when passing a motorcycle.
·
Scan intersections for motorcyclists (the majority of motorcycle
incidents occur at intersections, especially when drivers are turning left).
·
Leave your phone alone.
·
If in doubt about who has the right-of-way, yield to the
motorcycle.
Tips for motorcyclists
However,
motorcyclists are also often at fault in collisions. Milner says motorcyclists
can take precautions:
·
Wear all gear, all the time, including a helmet that
meets DOT, Snell or ECE safety standards and safety gear designed for riding.
·
Be bright and visible.
·
Manoeuvre intersections safely, especially when oncoming traffic
is turning left.
·
Never assume a driver has seen you. Keep your
distance and reduce speed.
Source: cbc.ca
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