Motorcyclists: It is time to get ready to ride

 IBC's Top 10: Tips for a safe motorcycle season  

TORONTO, April 7, 2015 /CNW/ - While it has been a long winter, spring has finally arrived and warmer temperatures are hopefully on their way. This time of year is when Canadians also begin getting their motorcycles ready for the riding season. Statistics Canada reports there are 672,000 registered motorcycles and mopeds in Canada, a third of them in Ontario. Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is offering some tips for motorcyclists to help them prepare for a safe season. 

"If it's your first ride of the season, do a complete check of your motorcycle or take it to a dealer for a tune-up," said Steve Kee, Director, Media & Digital Communications, IBC. "At the very least, check and clean your battery terminals, and check the oil and other lubricants. Also, check the tire inflation and inspect your tires for cuts and cracks."

IBC's Top 10 tips for a safe motorcycle ride are:

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 an incident?
   
   
3. Ride according to weather and road conditions. Check the forecast and keep your eyes on the road ahead. 
   
   
4. Wear a DOT (Department of Transportation) approved helmet.  Choose the helmet best suited for how you ride, and replace your helmet 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 signals that all of the riders understand.
   
   
10. Stop frequently. Being rested will help you focus on the roads. 

"Stay alert to all potential dangers," adds Kee. "Riding a motorcycle requires skill, control and a different level of focus than driving a car.  Just remember that car drivers may not see you."

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 1-844-2-ASK-IBC.

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

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

Image with caption: "IBC Top 10: Tips for a safe motorcycle season (CNW Group/Insurance Bureau of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150407_C6648_PHOTO_EN_13947.jpg

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