Motorcycles are out and SGI is reminding drivers and riders to share the road to keep all road users safe. SGI is also reminding riders of traffic law changes that have come into effect, stemming from safety recommendations of the Motorcycle Review Committee.
“Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of injuries than those travelling in a passenger vehicle,” said Andrew Cartmell, President and CEO of SGI. “To reduce that risk, all road-users need to work together and pay special attention during the riding season.”
In 2013, there were 244 crashes in Saskatchewan involving a motorcycle, moped or power cycle, resulting in 203 injuries and six deaths. All six deaths and 177 of those injuries were
Motorcyclists
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Adopt these driving habits to help riders keep the rubber on the pavement:
•Drivers - look twice and save a life. Motorcycles are small and difficult to see. Before turning left in front of traffic, look further ahead to ensure a bike isn’t traveling behind an oncoming vehicle. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and turn your head to ensure a bike isn’t in your blind spot. Increase your following distance – rear-ending a motorcyclist has far more severe consequences in most cases than rear-ending a passenger vehicle.
•Motorcyclists – you’re not invincible, be visible. Bright or reflective gear will help others see you sooner. Use the proper lane positions to ensure maximum exposure. Make sure you’re wearing all the gear, all the time. It’s the law that new riders must have their arms and legs covered, wear hand-covering gloves, ankle-covering boots and an approved 3/4, modular or full-face helmet. Also, increase your skills by completing a certified training course. Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran, this course will teach you skills to improve your technique or abolish bad habits.
To increase safety measures and reduce collisions, some new laws regarding motorcycles were implemented last year. All new riders must complete the Basic Ability Road Test (BART) or a certified training course in order to get a 6 endorsement. Riders who complete their BART on or after April 1, 2015 on a bike with an engine with 400cc or less will receive an ‘R’ restriction on their licence, limiting them to operating bikes 400cc or less.
Riders will keep the restriction throughout the Motorcycle Graduated Driver’s Licence (MGDL) program. It can be removed by:
•Providing proof to SGI of completed approved training; OR,
•Completing the BART (6 Endorsement) or Motorcycle Road Test (M Endorsement), depending on where they are in the MGDL program, on a motorcycle of 401cc or greater; OR,
•Graduating out of the MGDL program (obtaining an experienced M endorsement).
For more information about motorcycle safety, visit SGI’s website at www.sgi.sk.ca. Share your motorcycle safety tips, for riders and drivers, with us on Facebook and Twitter using
#wecandrivebetter.
