The roads are open, and on your travels, you'll start seeing motorcycles out and about.
That means it's time to start focusing on safety for motorcyclists. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Between 2022 and 2024, there were nine fatalities and 434 injuries to motorcycle drivers and passengers in collisions on Manitoba roadways.
Tara Seel is with Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI).
"We did find that careless driving is the leading factor in motorcycle collisions in Manitoba," said Seel. "I will stress that's careless driving on the part of the motorcyclists and those driving vehicles."
According to reports, intersections are the most likely places where motorcycles crash. In 2024, thirty-five percent of fatal motorcycle crashes occurred at intersections.
"We want motorcyclists to be aware that they might not be as visible out there, so you must drive accordingly," continued Seel. "Slow down, make sure your intentions are known when you're going to stop or change lanes."
MPI has a campaign right now: Look Twice for Motorcycles. That's because motorcycles can easily fit in the blind spots of vehicles, even when you shoulder check.
Over the past five years, motorcyclists under 30 years of age were involved in twice as many collisions as motorcyclists between 30 and 59, and males made up approximately 91% of motorcyclists involved in collisions.
"To give you some context. There were 30,980 motorcycles registered in Manitoba, and most of those are licensed to men," continued Seel. "That could account for why men are making up for most of the collisions."
There are many ways to keep motorcyclists safe on the road.
For Motorcyclists:
- Wear the right gear – an approved safety helmet, eye protection, jacket, pants, and boots;
- Try to be highly visible by wearing bright colours;
- Ride so that others can see you – headlight on and not weaving in and out of traffic so that you stay out of motorists’ blind spots; and
- Adjust riding behaviour to the road surface – if you are riding on a slippery surface, for example, slow your speed accordingly and adjust when making turns.
For Drivers:
- Always look twice for motorcycles when changing lanes and at intersections to be sure there isn’t a motorcycle in your blind spot;
- Watch for signals – it may be hard to see a motorcycle’s turning signal, so watch for other signs, like shoulder checking, which can indicate the rider is planning to change lanes or make a turn; and
- Follow at a safe distance – motorcycles may stop faster than other vehicles, so four seconds is the recommended following distance. That should be increased at night or if it is raining.
Let's all stay safe on the roads this summer so everyone can go home to their families.
