BC Highway Patrol on alert during motorcycle safety month

May is BC Highway Patrol’s (BCHP) motorcycle safety month.

BCHP will have its patrol officers working from May 17 to May 21, along with an abundance of overtime officers, to help prevent collisions and fatalities.

“We need to work together to eliminate fatal collisions,” Cpl. Melissa Jongema, BC Highway Patrol media relations officer, said in a BCHP press release.

“If you see someone driving or riding while distracted, excessively speeding, or if you suspect a driver or rider is impaired, please document the licence plate, if possible, and call your local police. Let’s ride to stay alive and to arrive safely to our long weekend destinations.”

National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day is May 18 and police across the country will be targeting impaired drivers and riders, according to the release.

Each year, there are on average 2,400 collisions involving motorcycles with June, July and August being the most dangerous months for motorcycle riders, according to the release.

To be a safer rider this May, BCHP offeres the following tips: Practice riding before going on a longer trip if your bike was put away for the winter; take breaks often, drive sober and have the right gear to be prepared for all weather; slow down and scan every intersection before entering; report drivers who are operating unsafely around you to your local police; and wear visible clothing in the dark and avoid riding in poor weather.