ICBC reports motorcyclists 3 times more likely to be injured or killed in a crash

With nicer weather come more motorcyclists on the roads, prompting ICBC to caution riders and drivers of the dangers.

According to ICBC, motorcyclists are more than three times more likely to be injured or killed in a crash in BC, compared to those in passenger vehicles.

In response, riders are being encouraged to freshen up their skills before their first trip, and for drivers to look out for riders and share the roads.

“Motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in fatalities on BC roads,” ICBC says.

Motorcycles make up only 4% of insured vehicles in BC, yet riders account for 14% of deaths.

“Tragically, we are seeing too many motorcycle-related incidents and fatalities in British Columbia that are preventable,” said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a great reminder that we all share responsibility for road safety. I’m calling on all drivers and riders to stay alert, stay sober, stay within speed limits and for all riders to wear proper protective gear.”

As the weather warms and temperatures rise in our province, the number of motorcyclists injured or killed also increases. Every month from May to October, an average of 158 motorcyclists are injured or killed in crashes in the province.

“We’re asking drivers to stay alert, leave plenty of following distance, and take an extra moment to look for motorcycles and other vulnerable road users when turning left,” said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC road safety manager.

“As a rider, practice low-speed skills like emergency braking and obstacle avoidance before your first ride, wear protective gear on every trip, and don’t assume a driver has seen you and will yield the right-of-way, they may not be accurately judging your distance or speed.”

Motorcyclists are invited to practice their riding at free upcoming skills course events taking place in the Lower Mainland, Capital Regional District and Kelowna.

In Kelowna, the event takes place August 2 from 8 am to 4 pm, at the Okanagan University parking lot.

Events are also being held this June in Coquitlam and North Vancouver.