COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
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COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
Safety gear for motorcycle drivers and tips on staying visible.
Staying safe means being visible. Since motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles, they can be difficult to see on roadways and in parking lots. Make yourself visible on a motorcycle by following these 5 steps.
In Alberta, all drivers and passengers on a motorcycle must wear a helmet. The penalty for not wearing a helmet is $155.
The only exception is for a rider/passenger who is 18 years or older and is a bona fide member of the Sikh religion who wears a turban.
For more information, see Vehicle and helmet exemptions.
Your helmet must meet the standards for motorcycle safety helmets. Look for a mark or label for one of the following:
Remember that your head, face, and chin experience the biggest impact if you get into a collision. Lighter coloured helmets are more visible to other motorists. Replace a helmet that has been damaged, and avoid buying a used one. A used helmet may have been involved in a crash and could be damaged in ways that are not obvious.
Having the right equipment can help keep you safe. Along with an approved motorcycle helmet, it is recommended that every rider wear:
Full coverage helmets offer the best protection for your eyes. A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield will help cover your face from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects and rocks. If your helmet does not have a shield, consider purchasing eyewear specifically designed to protect your eyes when riding. Goggles can be worn over prescription glasses if necessary.
Noise from air passing around your head while riding can make you tired and cause permanent hearing loss. Purchase earplugs to use while riding, especially on highways where there are higher speed limits.
Your safest option is choose jackets and pants that cover your torso, arms, and legs completely with nothing that can flap in the wind. Since you can be harder to see on a motorcycle, a brightly coloured jacket helps with visibility. Sturdy leather or similar material designed for riding offers the best protection, whereas denim can easily wear out in the event of an accident.
Make sure that your footwear:
Wear gloves that are thin enough to grip and use your controls, but thick enough to protect your hands in a crash. Leather or a similar material is best. When your gloves are on, they should cover your wrists and overlap the sleeves of your jacket. Make the switch to seasonal gloves as the weather gets colder.
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