AS motorcyclists gear up for riding season, British Columbia's Ministry of Justice is reminding riders that new motorcycle safety regulations took effect on June 1.
All motorcyclists and passengers in B.C. must wear a motorcycle helmet that displays the proper industry safety certification label. Helmets must comply with standards outlined by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), the Snell Memorial Foundation 2005 or 2010, or the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). Riders found violating the new helmet laws will receive a $138 fine. New seating laws have also been put into place to protect both passengers and riders.
The Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles is working with police and motorcyclists to ensure the new helmet and seating regulations will be applied fairly and fines will be issued to riders putting their safety at risk. Police also have educational material to distribute to riders to inform them about the new laws.
"Avid riders, road safety advocates, emergency room physicians, police and families of riders have offered very positive feedback about these changes. They know the laws aren't about taking away from the riding experience - they're simply about saving lives," said Minister of Justice Shirley Bond in a recent press release. "I look forward to continuing our dialogue with these road safety advocates to develop a specific plan for a graduated licensing program that works for B.C. riders, their families, and the industry that supports their passion."
Provincial statistics show that three per cent of insured vehicles are motorcycles, however they account for 10 per cent of roadway fatalities. In 2011 there were 2,200 motorcycle crashes reported and 42 operators died. Between 1996 and 2010 motorcycle fatalities have risen by 57 per cent.
The contributing factors to some of these fatalities were directly related to inadequate safety equipment and driver error. Motorcycle riders and passengers will be required to wear SnellM2005, Snell 2010, ECE or DOT compliant helmets. For a one month period starting June 1, police across the province will help ensure a smooth transition to the new laws by carrying out an educational enforcement strategy. If riders are caught without a proper helmet, RCMP officers, whenever possible, will ensure safe alternative transportation rather than issuing a ticket. Full enforcement will begin July 1, 2012.
In addition to improved helmet laws, new seating laws will come into effect that will require operators and passengers be properly seated on the motorcycle or in a sidecar.
The following are violations under the new laws:
- A passenger 16 or older who is on a motorcycle not designed for passengers.
- A passenger 16 or older who is riding side saddle.
- A passenger 16 or older who is in front of the operator.
- A passenger 16 or older who is not using foot rests or foot pegs.
- A passenger 16 or older who is not seated in or on the sidecar.
The seating regulations come into effect June 1 and violating the seating restrictions carries a vehicle impoundment period.
"This new legislation will save lives and reduce collisions," stated Supt. Denis Boucher, the officer in charge of RCMP traffic Services in B.C. "The reduction in harm on our roadways is a priority for us and we ask that the public help us achieve this goal. Don't become a statistic, drive safe and pay attention to the road. As we begin motorcycle season I would like to remind all drivers to be conscious of their surroundings and each other."
The new laws give riders more guidance for enjoying a safe journey but about two-thirds of crashes between a motorcycle and another vehicle are the fault of the other vehicle. To inform other drivers about the vulnerabilities motorcyclists face and how to drive safely around motorcycles, the superintendent of motor vehicles and ICBC have partnered on an awareness campaign.
The awareness campaign focuses on road safety tips aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities on B.C.'s roads. Important tips include:
- Be aware - Check your mirrors frequently, be aware of road conditions that pose hazards to motorcyclists and look carefully for traffic at intersections. It can be difficult to judge the speed and distance of a motorcyclist so be extra cautious, especially when turning left.
- Watch for clues - Watch for signs such as turn signals, shoulder checks or leaning that signal that the rider may turn or change lanes.
- Share the road - Motorcycles use a full lane. Leave at least three seconds of following distance behind a motorcycle.
- Be courteous - Acknowledge riders with a wave or eye contact. Give riders the space they need to change lanes and never try to pass a motorcycle using the same lane.
"As the weather gets warmer, we should all expect to share the roads with more motorcyclists. The key here is expectations - if we don't expect to see motorcycles we are less likely to notice them," said ICBC psychologist Dr. John Vavrik in the release.
"Our attention is typically focused on what we expect to see, causing us to miss or misjudge what's happening on the road around us. We can be looking but not seeing. This form of inattention blindness can have serious consequences, especially when we consider the vulnerability of motorcyclists. Drivers also need to be particularly cautious when making left-hand turns because motorcycles are smaller, so it's harder to judge how fast they are approaching. We want everyone to get to where they're going safely - expect to see more motorcyclists and use extra caution and courtesy in sharing the road with them."
The province is also moving forward with a graduated licensing program that includes power restrictions, following additional consultation to determine the best model.
To learn more visit http: //www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv/roadsafety/motorcycles.htm.
