SGI urges motorcycle safety as warmer weather arrives

As motorcycle season begins, Saskatchewan Government Insurance is reminding drivers and riders of traffic law changes that have come into effect, stemming from safety recommendations of the Motorcycle Review Committee.

In 2013, Saskatchewan saw 244 crashes involving a motorcycle

“Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of injuries than those travelling in a passenger vehicle,” said Andrew Cartmell (pictured below), president and CEO of SGI, in a press release on Monday. “To reduce that risk, all road-users need to work together and pay special attention during the riding season.”

In 2013, there were 244 crashes in Saskatchewan involving a motorcycle, moped or power cycle, resulting in 203 injuries and six deaths. All six deaths and 177 of those injuries were motorcyclists.

To increase safety measures and reduce collisions, some new laws regarding motorcycles were implemented last year. All new riders must complete the Basic Ability Road Test (BART) or a certified training course in order to get a 6 endorsement. Riders who complete their BART on or after April 1, 2015 on a bike with an engine with 400cc or less will receive an ‘R’ restriction on their licence, limiting them to operating bikes 400cc or less.

Related: Saskatchewan police caught 245 distracted drivers in February, SGI says

Last week, SGI said that vulnerable road users were the traffic safety spotlight for April. Police across the province will be watching for pedestrians jaywalking; bicyclists not following the rules of the road; motorcyclists not wearing the proper gear; vehicles not yielding to pedestrians, making unsafe lane changes around motorcycles and driving without due care and attention around bicycles and motorcycles.

“Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists are called vulnerable road users because they are just that – vulnerable,” Cartmell said at the time. “Compared to a car, they have little or no protection if they’re involved in a crash. That makes them more likely to be hurt or even killed, and that’s why it’s so important to be aware of them now that the weather is warming up and they are more prevalent on our roads.”