Top Motorcycle Safety Tips in Courtenay

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Courtenay Motorists

In British Columbia, and here at Megson FitzPatrick, we all love our bikes and what they can do for us. Whether you use your motorcycle for commuting or you simply enjoy taking it out for an occasional spin, safety should always be your first and foremost priority.

Unfortunately, due to their design, motorcycles do not offer the same protection that a car (with seatbelts, airbags, and a frame) can provide. They are also much smaller than your average vehicle and, therefore, much harder to detect on the road. Motorcycles can also brake faster than cars, which makes it more challenging for drivers in vehicles to respond fast enough, depending on the conditions.

So, how do we reduce the risk of crashes? Through better driving habits and safety tips, of course. Here is a compilation of Megson FitzPatrick’s top safety tips.

Get insured.

Motorcycle insurance in Courtenay, or any other city in BC, is necessary. Will it stop you from getting into accidents? No, but it can save you a serious headache if your bike is damaged or someone else is injured in an accident that you caused. It’s a good idea to do whatever you can to prevent a potential accident, but insurance is there to cover the costs if an accident does occur – against your better judgement. Megson FitzPatrick makes getting motorcycle insurance for Courtenay motorists (and motorists throughout BC) easier than ever.

Insurance is also mandated by ICBC, and you will need to purchase third-party liability through ICBC prior to riding. Collision, comprehensive, and storage, on the other hand, are all separate coverages you can secure through Megson FitzPatrick. Talk to one of our Courtenay motorcycle insurance brokers to learn more.

Gear is imperative.

Riding with the appropriate gear – for yourself and your passenger – is critical. The driver and passenger need to wear approved motorcycle helmets, be seated properly, wear leather or denim jackets to protect their skin from the road in the event of a crash, and the driver should be wearing proper gloves. For a motorcycle to carry a passenger, it must have passenger foot pegs/footboards and the passenger is required to always keep their feet on the pegs. If their feet cannot reach the pegs, it is illegal for them to ride as a passenger. We even offer insurance coverage for motorcycle specific riding gear. This way, you can ride with peace of mind, knowing your gear will be covered in the event it is stolen or damaged

Always be seen.

Motorcyclists are hard to spot on the road due to their smaller size, and it can be especially dangerous in the early morning or nighttime. Never ride in a driver’s blind spot for longer than you need to and wear reflective gear if you’re planning to drive in the dark. Never assume that a driver has seen you or is obligated to provide you the right-of-way because they may not accurately judge your speed/distance as well as you predict they might.

Don’t speed.

This one should go without saying, but most accidents happen because of speeding. Always remain respectful of the speed limit and remember that most motorcycle crashes in British Columbia happen during warmer weather, when more drivers are out and about, and could possibly be speeding. Always manage your speed to ensure that you have ample time to stop or steer away from the path of an oncoming/merging vehicle.

Get informed.

If it has been a while since you’ve ridden a motorcycle, or even if this is your first season as a motorcycle owner, consider taking a driver’s education course for motorcyclists to boost your knowhow. ICBC even offers its own “Learn to ride smart” and “Tuning up for riders” programs on their website, which offers great information for how to get your motorcycling knowhow back up to par. It is always more fun when you can ride in peace, knowing that both you, your passengers, and others on the road are safe. Plus, if you are a new rider, these courses can lead to some great discounts with the Megson FitzPatrick motorcycle insurance program.

As a driver…

As the driver of a car, the safety of others on the road is in your hands, too. You can significantly reduce your chances of being involved in a crash with a motorcycle if you keep in mind the following tips:

• Remain four or more seconds behind a motorcycle and offer them plenty of lane space when you need to pass them. Note that motorcycles can stop a lot faster than normal cars!
• Be prepared to yield, as motorcycles are often closer than they seem to be. It can be difficult to tell how fast they are travelling due to their smaller size.
• Always scan intersections carefully before you turn left and take an additional moment to look out for motorcyclists, especially in the warmer months.
• Avoid any distractions that would take your mind or eyes off the road.

Megson FitzPatrick always believes in safety first. Did you know your rates for motorcycle insurance in Courtenay may even be lower if you are claims free? Ask one of our motorcycle insurance specialists for more information.