B.C. to check drivers

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May marks the start of motorcycle season around the province. That means more motorcycles will be on the road, and the need for motorists - and motorcycle riders - to take extra caution when driving.

Most motorcycle-involved crashes occur from May to September. There were approximately 1,200 injuries and 43 fatalities in motorcycle-related crashes in 2005.

"Drive safely and use extra caution - that's important for all road users, including motorists and riders, as we head into the busy summer months on B.C. roads", points out Solicitor General John Les. "Severe crashes often occur at intersections. We're asking motorists to be extra careful when making turns and motorcyclists to slow down and be more visible," said Les.

Motorcycles are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation in B.C. In 2001, there were approximately 49,000 insured motorcycles. In 2005, that number increased to 65,000.

According to ICBC claims data, motorcycles are up to 15 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash and up to three times more likely to be involved in an injury crash.

The fatality rate in motorcycle-related crashes dropped in 2005 from 2004. In 2005, there were approximately 6.62 fatalities per 10,000 licensed motorcycles; in 2004, there were 7.5 fatalities per 10,000 licensed motorcycles.

"While it's good news that we're seeing a decrease in motorcycle fatalities, motorists need to keep in mind that - like cyclists and pedestrians - motorcyclists are vulnerable road users," said Nicolas Jimenez, ICBC's Director of Road Safety and Loss Prevention. "They don't have extra safety protection such as seatbelts."

Jimenez said one of the main safety tips for both motorists and riders is to look out for each other at all times. "It's often difficult for motorists to judge the proper distance when small vehicles such as motorcycles are approaching, particularly when turning left," he added.

To publicize that May is Motorcycle Safety Month, ICBC is running a provincial advertising campaign from May 1 to 31. Check out the new ads as well as motorcycle safety fact sheets and statistics in the road safety section of icbc.com.

Safety tips for other motorists:

• Be extra cautious for motorcyclists, especially when turning at intersections.
• Actively look for motorcyclists in traffic. Remember motorcycles are small and often difficult to see in the mix of traffic.
• Allow at least three seconds of following distance when you are behind a motorcycle.
• Make eye contact with the rider whenever possible.

Safety tips for motorcyclists:

• Watch out for vehicles turning at intersections.
• Check vehicles approaching from behind when stopped in traffic.
• Slow down and take it easy in the curves.
• Never assume other motorists see you.
• Wear bright and reflective protection clothing. Add extra reflective material to your clothing or wear a reflective vest.
• Always wear a helmet.

Statistics

• Single-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur most frequently in rural undeveloped areas (60% versus 37% in urban areas - 3% other). They occur at high speeds (91% are speeds of 50 km/h or over) and at curves where the rider loses control and leaves the roadway. **
• Multi-vehicle crashes, where at least one motorcycle was involved, occur most frequently in urban areas (71% versus 25% in rural areas - 4% other). They occur at lower speeds (76% are speeds of 50 km/h or under) and at intersections where the driver of the other vehicle violates a motorcyclist's right of way (Failing to Yield Right of Way - 28%) or fails to notice the motorcyclist (Driving Without Due Care and/or Driver Inattentive - 18%).**
• Most motorcycle-involved crashes occur on a weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).*
• Most motorcycle-involved crashes occur from May to September with the peaks in July and August.*
• Motorcycle-involved crashes tend to occur during peak traffic volumes periods (Noon to 9pm).*

^{* ICBC-reported incidents}

^{** Police-reported incidents 1 Since these are seasonal vehicles, the number shown are taken from the month when the majority of these vehicles are insured.}

Additional media contacts:
Doug Henderson, 604-982-1332
Kate Best, 604-982-2480
Ingrid Brakop, ICBC Southern Interior region (250) 828-3903
Michelle Hargrave, ICBC Southern Interior region (250) 212-5119