As the warm weather is finally starting to settle in over the province, motorcyclists are starting to get out their bikes and hit the road.
As part of the RCMP’s goal of keeping everyone safe on Alberta’s highways they are reminding drivers of all vehicles to adopt safe habits and help reduce collisions in the province this summer.
The reminder came with the official start of Motorcycle Safety Month in Alberta on May 1.
“Safe motorcycling begins long before hitting the pavement,” said Const. Mike Hibbs with Alberta RCMP Traffic Services in a press release, “By planning ahead, you can ride towards a safer future for you and everyone else on the road.”
Using appropriate safety equipment can go a long way to protecting riders in the event of a collision.
According to the Alberta Ministry of Transportation riders who use an approved motorcycle helmet are 37 per cent less likely to be fatally injured in a crash.
In addition to a proper helmet, the RCMP recommend that motorcyclists wear, “shatter-proof eye protection, a durable, bright coloured jacket, long pants, leather footwear that protects the ankles, full fingered, non-slip gloves and all-weather proof riding clothes.”
Safe driving habits including defensive driving habits and following the speed limit are also important in keeping everyone, especially lightly protected motorcyclists safe on the roads.
Police also recommend that after the long winter, that riders practice on safe roads away from higher traffic roads as they get comfortable on their bikes again.
