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It's motorcycle season and the Okanagan is a hot destination for riders. After two motorcycle accidents occurred on Tuesday, July 4th, it's important remember to share the road and remember to give motorcycles more distance than you think is necessary, as it is difficult to judge the distance between a car and motorcycle. Witnesses of the two incidents have sent in photos to heed a warning for all riders and drivers to be extra cautious this season.
On Tuesday afternoon at about 4:20 p.m., a Kelowna man was riding his motorcycle when he was rear-ended by the driver of a brown, two-door sedan.
He was apparently stopped at the lights at Burtch Road and Sutherland Avenue when the car behind him drove into his motorcycle.
The driver got out of his vehicle and told the motorists that his foot got caught on the floor mat and then got back inside his vehicle and headed eastbound on Sutherland Avenue toward Highway 97.
The driver of the sedan allegedly failed to exchange particulars with the motorcycle rider while the rider was busy getting his bike off the road.
RCMP are asking any witnesses to come forward with any information following the hit and run collision on Tuesday. The rider was OK but his bike's back fender was damaged.
The rider managed to keep his motorcycle upright during the collision and sustained non-life threatening injuries, but had to have his bike towed from the scene.
Another incident involving a scooter occurred on Tuesday evening in Kelowna.
The second incident occurred after 8 p.m. between Richter Street and Lanfranco, outside the entrance to Creekside Villas. The vehicle apparently collided with a scooter and the rider of the scooter fell to the ground.
According to Dirk Handke, who witnessed the accident, many people pulled over to see if the young women was OK. The paramedics came and checked her out and she was eventually able to stand up.
ICBC has provided safety tips for both motorists and motorcyclists to avoid collisions.
Tips for motorcycle riders:
* Practice emergency braking and obstacle avoidance.
* Be seen and stay out of a driver's blind spot.
* Watch drivers for clues, never assume.
* Use your signals so drivers have time to anticipate.
* Plan your path prior to a curve.
* Ride at a safe speed allowing ample time to stop.
Tips for motorists:
* Scan intersections and look for motorcycles or bicycles when you're turning left.
* Stay alert and avoid distractions that take your mind off driving or your eyes off the road.
* Allow at least three or four seconds of following distance behind a motorcycle.
* Allow plenty of lane space when you pass.
* Be ready to yield as a motorcycle is often closer than it seems and it can be hard to tell how fast they're traveling.
If you're on a motorcycle or in a vehicle, share the road and keep an eye out for incidents that may require emergency services.
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