Training Constable Steve Aguiar lays out the Traffic Services Top 10 Motorcycle Safety Tips

With the official start of spring on Monday, March 20, 2017, motorists will see an increase in motorcyclists on the roads. With the return of the riding season, Toronto Police Traffic Services has created this video as part of its continued focus on road safety for all road users. Since 1995, there have been 78 motorcycle fatalities in Toronto. The causal factors of the collisions were analyzed, and the contributing factors to the crashes were identified. Some of the myths and facts are shown below. Myth: Young, inexperienced motorcyclists are the most vulnerable, at-risk riders and account for the largest number of victims who die in motorcycle crashes. Fact: From 1995 to 2017, 18 of the 78 motorcyclists who have died on Toronto roads were under the age of 25. The group with the highest rate of fatality is the 25-39 age group, which comprises 46 of the 78 victims. Myth: Those who die in motorcycle crashes are doing something wrong at the time of the incident. Like other drivers, motorcyclists can avoid crashes if they drive properly and within the law. Fact: Between 1995 and 2017, in 27 of the 78 motorcycle fatalities, the driver of the motorcycle was driving properly at the time. Other facts relating to the 78 motorcycle fatalities from 1995 to 2017: - all victims were male - no pattern of where motorcycle collisions occur most - most of the fatalities occurred when the weather was dry - the times of the collisions were varied and a pattern was not apparent Safe operation, regardless of the type of vehicle, is critical to the safety of all road users. Together, we can make the roads safer by following all the rules. For more information, please visit: http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/traffic/ Traffic Services Top 10 Motorcycle Safety Tips: 1. Take a course: It’s important for you to learn how to safely drive a motorcycle and to be evaluated by an instructor. Your skill set will develop as you learn to control the motorcycle; the motorcycle shouldn’t control you. 2. Make sure you have proper riding gear: A helmet is required by law, but riders should also think of wearing long sleeve shirts, long pants, ankle boots and a jacket (even when it’s hot outside). Riding in the sun constantly drains you, and we should think about reducing road rash in case of a fall. 3. Make yourself visible: Many collisions are caused by a motor-vehicle turning into the path of a motorcycle driver. You want other drivers to see you. Wear a reflective vest or contrasting colours and continually try to make eye contact with drivers to be sure that they’re aware of you. 4. Slow down: Most fatal collisions are caused by excessive speed. Motorcycles are unstable vehicles and they have a limited grip on the road. You don’t want to lose control with excessive speed, especially around a turn. 5. Don’t ride impaired: You shouldn’t ride a motorcycle or drive a vehicle after drinking alcohol or consuming drugs, and you shouldn’t ride when you’re tired. You need 100 per cent of your attention and focus when operating a motorcycle. 6. Ride with a buddy: Riding with friends allows you to occupy a full lane; this practice increases your visibility and you can keep an eye on one another if something goes wrong. 7. Make sure your motorcycle is properly maintained: Check your vehicle frequently for general maintenance and problems. Tire pressure is especially important. The contact patches of your tires are about the size of a footprint. This small area is all that keeps you on the road and any problems with tire pressure can be dangerous. 8. Communicate with other drivers: Attempt to make eye contact with other drivers, making sure they’re aware of you and your movements. Consider using hand signals prior to turning or changing lanes as indicator lights on motorcycles are very small. Also, if you’re comfortable with a specific group of cars, stay with them. 9. Scan the road: Many collisions are caused when cars turn into the path of motorcycles or come out of driveways. If you’re aware of what’s happening around you, you can avoid dangerous situations. Your head should be moving, checking your mirrors, and your eyes constantly scanning the road when riding on a motorcycle. 10. Refresh your skills: No matter how long you have been riding, you will be rusty after a few months. Your skills and association with a motorcycle deteriorate quickly when not riding, even for a short period of time. Take a refresher course if it’s been a while since you’ve ridden. Ask yourself, can I improve? Am I the best and safest driver I can be?