3 motorcycle crashes in Abbotsford in one day

THREE collisions involving motorcycles in one day has the Abbotsford Police Department reminding drivers about road safety when out on the roadways now that the weather is sunny and warm – including those out on two wheels.

On Thursday, May 7, Abbotsford emergency services were called to a collision at Mt Lehman and Fraser Highway.  A 54-year-old person on a motorcycle was involved in a collision involving a vehicle and was taken to hospital facing life-threatening injuries.

At 4:41 p.m., Abbotsford emergency services were called to a collision in the 4491-block of Gladwin Road.  A 42-year-old motorcycle driver (with a passenger) was driving northbound when he passed a group of motorcycles and collided with a vehicle that was making a left-hand turn.  The motorcycle driver and passenger sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The vehicle driver did not sustain any injuries. 

At 4:57 p.m., emergency services were called to McKee Road and McKinley Drive for a collision involving a motorcycle and a vehicle.  There were no significant injuries to either driver.

Here are some safety tips for drivers and motorcycle riders:

Tips for drivers:

  • Give extra space when passing a motorcycle: Allow at least three seconds following distance when you’re behind a motorcycle.
  • Scan intersections: As with other vulnerable road users, most car crashes involving motorcycles happen in intersections. Drivers need to look out for motorcycles – especially when turning left – they can be harder to see, and it can be tough to judge how fast they’re travelling.
  • Leave your phone alone: Stay focused and avoid distractions that take your mind off driving and your eyes off the road.
  • Share the road with motorcycles: If in doubt about who has the right-of-way, yield to the motorcycle.
  • Adhere to the posted speed limits.

Tips for riders:

  • Wear all the gear, all the time: This includes a helmet that meets DOT, Snell or ECE safety standards and safety gear designed for riding. In all weather conditions, wearing proper motorcycle safety gear is key to reducing the severity of injuries in the event of a crash.
  • Be bright and visible: Protect yourself and your passengers from serious injury by choosing gear that has bright colours and reflective materials.
  • Manoeuvre intersections safely: Especially where oncoming traffic is waiting to turn left, adjust your lane position and reduce your speed so you’ll have an escape path or time to stop if you need it. 
  • Do not underestimate the power and speed of your motorcycle. 
  • Share the road with vehicles: Never assume a driver has seen you. They may not accurately judge your distance or speed of approach. As best you can, stay out of drivers’ blind spots.
  • Adhere to the posted speed limits.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.  Get more driver and rider tips on icbc.com.