Summer is a fantastic time to get out and enjoy everything Manitoba has to offer and it is a lot of fun to get there on a motorcycle. Operating a motorcycle can be fun and exhilarating, but the risk factors are also a lot higher as you are not protected by the body of a vehicle.
Kerri Portree of Westside Honda in Selkirk, MB, and Cst. Paul Human of the Selkirk RCMP.
Safe riding begins before you even get on your motorcycle. Before you ride, conduct a safety check:
- Is your motorcycle ready for the road?
- Does it have enough fuel for your trip?
- Are the lights and brakes in good running order?
- Are you ready to ride?
- How is your safety equipment?
- Are your helmet, gloves, boots and jacket in good condition?
When you ride, always pay attention to what you SEE:
- S-search around you for potential hazards
- E-evaluate any possible hazards
- E-execute the proper action to avoid the hazard
There are approximately four deaths per year in Manitoba involving a collision with a motorcycle. These collisions happen between late April and mid-September and occur most frequently at intersections. In multi-vehicle collisions involving motorcycles, the motorcyclist almost always loses due to lack of vehicle protection.
It is important to prepare properly when riding a motorcycle, and that includes driving sober. Be safe riding out there and don’t become a statistic. Prepare, SEE where you want to go and drive sober.
