440 motorcycle crashes last year

ICBC stats show a disturbing trend

According to ICBC, crashes and injuries involving motorcycles have been increasing over the past 5 years, in the Southern Interior.  From 2013 to 2017 there were just under 2000 motorcycle incidents and 1500 injuries, and, over a 4 year stretch, spanning 2013-2016, 48 motorcyclists died from crashes.

Kelowna RCMP Corporal, Jesse O'Donaghey reminds motorists to be more cautious during the summer months, “Take an extra moment to look for motorcycles, and cyclists for that matter, when you’re entering the intersection, especially when you’re turning left.  Increase their following distance when following a motorcycle and give themselves plenty of lane space when you’re passing, and be ready to stop suddenly.  It can be difficult to tell exactly how fast that motorcycle is travelling.”

Motorists who’ve been stuck in the daily routine of a Kelowna-West Kelowna commute would likely have seen a motorcyclist driving dangerously, at some point.  If you spot a motorcyclist using the shoulder or driving between cars, you can always call RCMP. 

“If they see a motorcycle being operated in an unsafe manner, just like any other vehicle, they can contact the non-emergency line of their local police, or if it’s to the point where it’s dangerous to the motoring public and it’s an emergency, they can of course call 9-1-1,” says O’Donaughey.  “Any motor vehicle must follow the rules of the roadway and obey all the traffic control devices, and that includes the painted lines on the roadway.  If that vehicle goes onto the shoulder the driver of the vehicle could face a fine of ‘failing to keep right,’” adds O’Donaghey.