Greg discusses safety tips for bikers and drivers in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: Greg Marcyniuk at Heritage Insurance on 800 CHAB's Ask The Expert today. And Greg, I've been including it on the road report here and there, just reminding folks about motorcycle safety. We don't see them all winter long, then all of a sudden, they're out, and we got to stop and look twice and make sure we're keeping our motorcyclists safe out there. And that's what you're talking about today.
Greg Marcyniuk: There's a lot more motorcycles with a lot more motorcycle fatalities and accidents each year. First and foremost, the most common causes of accidents. Motorists fail to see riders when they are coming out of a driveway, when they're making a left-hand turn to oncoming traffic, or when the motorcycle is in a driver's blind spot. So very important that you are aware of that when you're riding as a cyclist. Also, many of the riders do not go out and get the right licensing for it or take the right training, so I do encourage getting that. And riders speeding excessively while weaving in and out of traffic lanes is another big cause of accidents. And the worst one — which accounts for over 50 percent of accidents — is drinking alcohol and drugs.
So, those are the causes. So, safety tips. First and foremost, make sure that you do get the proper training and the proper licensing before you head out. And always wear a helmet and appropriate gear — not only for yourself but also for your passenger.
And please don't drink alcohol or use drugs while operating a motorcycle. Follow the posted speed limits. Look out for hazards such as potholes, cracks and bumps, and exercise extreme caution when you are carrying passengers. Also, do not tailgate or weave between traffic when the traffic is slow. And abide by the traffic laws — just as other motorists are expected to do. And always, always use your turn signals to warn motorists of your intentions.
The other thing with motorcycle season, Rob, is motorcycle theft. So, just a few tips. When you get off your bike, make sure you shut the ignition and lock it. And another great idea is to lock the forks or the disc brakes.
It's a good idea to purchase a bright-colored lock, so it discourages potential thieves. And if you're traveling in a pack, you can lock them in a group. And the other thing is, if you're riding alone, find a street light or something that can't be dismantled and attach it to that. As well, you can install an alarm on your bike that sounds when it's tampered with. And check on your motorbike periodically when you're at a public event, specifically right after you get there. Because a lot of people will sit and watch, and that's when a lot of these are actually taken. As well, with your registration, it's best that you store that in your home, not in any compartments or in the saddlebags of your bike.
And another thing is, mark your bike with a unique symbol or a mark. Take a photograph of that, so if the bike is stolen, then that's something that you can share with the police, or it's something specific for your bike. And always keep your motorcycle registration on you when you are traveling. So, these are just a few things that cyclists should be well aware of.
Rob: Some great tips for you motorcyclists out there. And you can get your bikes registered and insured at Heritage Insurance.
Greg: That's correct, on the corner of First and Fairford West, or you can do it online or over the phone.
Rob: The phone number at Heritage Insurance, sir?
Greg: (306) 693-7640.
(Video transcription by Speechpad)