May is Motorcycle Safety Month

May 17, 2021
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

News release

May is Motorcycle Safety month and with the riding season set to begin, the RCMP and CAA Atlantic would like to bring awareness to the safe use of motorcycles on Nova Scotia's roads.

There were 43 fatal and serious injury collisions in areas policed by the RCMP in Nova Scotia in 2020. The leading factors in motorcycle collisions are aggressive driving and impaired driving. Inexperience is also a secondary contributing factor in a number of motorcycle collisions that police attend across the province.

Helmets and protective clothing can help guard against serious injury and death so it's important to wear them at all times when you are riding. If a rider is thrown from a motorcycle, they hit the ground and often skid long distances. Protective clothing can help shield riders by acting as a barrier between their body and the road. Wearing riding boots, a reflective riding jacket and pants can help a rider protect their skin during a collision.

As is the case with any motor vehicle, operating your motorcycle safely can help protect you and other road users. Some tips to keep in mind are:

Travel at a safe speed.

Only ride when sober, focussed and well-rested.

Check your blind spot before changing lanes.

Ensure left-turning motorists have stopped before entering an intersection.

Focus on where you need to go rather than looking at what you want to avoid (the motorcycle may go where you look).

Ride within your experience and skill level.

Go with an experienced rider the first time you explore a new area.

All motorists that use Nova Scotia's roadways can help reduce motorcycle collisions by keeping their eyes on the road, checking their blind spots and mirrors before changing lanes and giving motorcycles space just like any other vehicle.

The RCMP will be patrolling by motorcycle again this year to help keep Nova Scotia roadways safe. CAA Atlantic will be embarking on a public education campaign on motorcycle safety.

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Contact information

Cpl. Chris Marshall
Public Information Officer
Nova Scotia RCMP
Cell: 902-222-0154
chris.marshall@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Julia Kent
Director, Public & Government Affairs
CAA Atlantic
902-402-8800
jkent@atlantic.caa.ca

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