Huron County OPP remind public of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week

(HURON COUNTY, ON) - The Huron County OPP is getting ready for increased traffic in the county as we approach the month of May. Officers will be participating in the province-wide Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week which runs May 1-5.

The first of May is the start of the motorcycle riding season and is a good time for the OPP to remind motorists and motorcycle riders that safety is paramount. This campaign will promote education and enhance public safety on Ontario roadways.

The OPP conducts traffic enforcement every day of the year and remains committed to saving lives on Ontario roads, waterways, and trails.

Tips for motorcycle operators:
 

• Take a professional training course.
• Wear an approved motorcycle helmet and fasten it properly. 
• Wear highly-visible clothing (especially at night) and make sure your headlight is functioning properly.
• Communicate with drivers in other vehicles by using proper signals, lane positions and brake lights. Try to establish eye contact with other drivers, whenever possible.
• Keep an adequate space cushion when following, being followed, sharing your lane, overtaking vehicles, and when being overtaken. Slow down and adjust your speed according to road and weather conditions. Many single-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur from speeding and losing control in a curve or in a situation of unpredictable vehicle behaviour.
• Scan ahead. Predict what you might do if a dangerous situation presents itself. Obstacles, such as animals, potholes, gravel, train tracks, dew and grass clippings on the roadway, may lead to a loss of control if the rider is not prepared for them.
• Remain alert, stay hydrated and pace yourself. Your motorcycle driving is directly related to your physical and mental state. Always look twice before advancing through an intersection.
• Limit the distance of your trip. Take breaks, as needed.
• Always ride soberly.

All drivers must share the roadway and drive courteously and cautiously to avoid potentially dangerous incidents. The Huron County OPP encourages citizens to continue to report aggressive and unsafe drivers.