IBC's Top 10 tips for motorcyclists

 Follow #motorsafety on Twitter to join the discussion

TORONTO, Aug. 26, 2015 /CNW/ - Canadians are gearing up for the last long weekend of the summer, the weather forecast is great, and motorcyclists are planning to take to the roads for fun and entertainment. In addition to the millions of cars and trucks in Ontario, there are more than 200,000 registered motorcycles and mopeds. 

Steve Kee, Director of Media & Digital Communications, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), is also a weekend motorcycle rider. He offers this advice to his fellow motorcyclists: "Our roads are busy and compared to cars and trucks, we are small and can go unnoticed. Be aware of your surroundings and assume that drivers don't see you.

"I try to leave extra room to make a quick stop or unexpected lane change," he adds. "I'm always aware that in a collision between a car and a bike, I'm not likely to come out very well."

IBC's Top 10 tips for a safe motorcycle ride

1.	Drive what you can control.
	Often, people buy motorcycles that are too powerful for them to handle. Ask your dealer if you can test drive the bike before you buy it.
2.	Take a safety course.
	Be aware of your limits on a motorcycle. What would happen if you had to quickly avoid a road hazard?
3.	Ride according to weather and road conditions.
	Check the forecast and keep your eyes on the road ahead.
4.	Wear a DOT approved helmet.
	Choose the helmet best suited for how you ride, and replace your helmet based on manufacturer specifications, usually every five years.
5.	Wear clothing that will protect you in a fall.
	Heavy denim or leather jackets and pants aren't just stylish; they help prevent nasty cuts and burns if you fall.
6.	Stay focused on the road.
	The cold reality is that motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a collision than people in a car, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
7.	Always be seen.
	Assume car drivers can't see you, so leave them plenty of room. Also, wear clothing or reflective materials that allow you to be seen.
8.	Ride in the proper position in the lane.
	Know where you should be positioned in the lane and never drive along the middle of the lane where there is oil build up from cars.
9.	Practise riding with others.
	When riding as a group form a staggered pattern and establish hand ?
10.	Stop frequently.
	Being rested will help you focus on the roads.

IBC would love to read and post your tips about safe motorcycle riding. Follow @insurancebureau or @steve_kee on Twitter with the hashtag #motorsafety for more stories and tips. IBC will re-tweet the best of these. 

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.  

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, 647-384-9872, [email protected]