Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging motorists and motorcycles to share the road in a safe and responsible manner. While May is motorcycle safety awareness month, Manitoba’s public insurer is stressing safety should be a priority throughout the entire motorcycle riding season.
In efforts to heighten road safety awareness between the two groups of vehicles, the Corporation will soon be launching its annual “Look Twice” campaign.
“The campaign is self explanatory, in that we’re encouraging drivers of motor vehicles to look twice before any driver action,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.
“Many times drivers are telling us that they simply didn’t see the motorcycle prior to the collision. That’s a preventable collision. Motorcycle operators are entitled to be on the road and safely reach their destinations.”
In order to heighten road safety awareness among both groups of vehicles, Manitoba’s auto insurer works closely with the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups, which recently staged its annual, motorcycle safety awareness rally.
“CMMG holds its Motorcycle Safety Awareness Rally early in May as a public awareness campaign to remind motorists that Motorcycles are once again on the road and to be extra cautious when driving,” said CMMG President Brian Segal.
“Motorcyclists too, are reminded that safety is their responsibility as well. In this respect, CMMG as a member of the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC), supports the national “Ride Smart to Ride Again” campaign. Motorcyclists must see, to be seen – if you can’t see the driver, the driver can’t see you.”
Safety Tips
- Motorcyclists should wear the right gear. Wear an approved helmet, eye protection, jacket, pants and boots.
- Motorcyclists should try to be highly visible. Whenever possible, wear bright or fluorescent colours such as yellow, red or orange to enhance visibility.
- Ride with the headlight on. Ride in a position where you are visible to other motorists and stay out of their blind spots.
- Drivers should look twice. When changing lanes and at intersections, double check there isn’t a motorcycle or moped in the blind spot.
- Watch for signals. It may be hard to see a motorcycle or moped’s turning signal so watch for other signs like shoulder checking. It can indicate the rider is planning to change lanes or turn.
- Keep your distance. Motorcycles and mopeds may stop faster than other vehicles. Maintain a following distance of at least four seconds and increase it at night or when it’s raining.
