One million Canadian motorcyclists are back on the roads and trails. May signals the arrival of warmer weather and the official launch of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. This year, the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) is reminding all drivers that sharing the road means sharing the responsibility.
“Distracted drivers are killing motorcyclists,” says Dave Millier, MCC Chair. While most provinces have strengthened their distracted driving laws and penalties, distracted driving continues to climb.
Statistics vary by province, but in a lot of collisions involving motorcycles, the rider was not the at-fault driver. In British Columbia, for example, drivers are at fault in nearly 80 per cent of motorcycle crashes where the rider was seriously injured. Police report that driver distraction, and drivers who fail to yield, are the top factors in car crashes with motorcycles, according to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.
“We always ask motorcyclists to ride within speed limits and skill level, wear all the gear all the time, and make yourself visible to other road users,” says Millier. “On behalf of every motorcyclist in Canada, we want to remind all motorists that motorcycle safety is everyone’s responsibility. We share the road. Let’s share the responsibility.”
Motorcycle safety is everyone’s responsibility
In 2017 MCC launched the Motorcycle Safety Pledge to encourage motorcyclists, drivers, riders and loved ones to recognize that everyone plays an important role in motorcycle safety. The Pledge became an immediate success with both riders and non-riders. It gave people a way to participate and share their support for an important cause.
This year MCC is encouraging even more people to take the Motorcycle Safety Pledge because even if you do not ride a motorcycle, chances are you know someone that does. The Motorcycle Safety Pledge is a promise you make to yourself, friends, and loved ones to help support motorcycle safety. It includes simple things you can do to help promote safety among all road and trail users across Canada.
We all know that driving requires our full attention. We ask that all motorists commit to fully participating in driving, and to put away the distractions, because the consequences of distracted driving are potentially deadly for everyone sharing our roads.
We encourage motorcyclists to wear full protective riding gear every time they get on their motorcycle. Be visible and fully prepared for the responsibility of riding, so you can make arriving alive your greatest
priority. Today our roads present a danger due to distracted drivers. Technology and entertainment is too easily within reach. We’re prepared to start a dialogue on road safety and the role each of us play in being responsible road users.
Take the Motorcycle Safety Pledge
Join the many Canadians that support motorcycle safety by taking the Motorcycle Safety Pledge. Visit motorcycling.ca for all the details.
