Motorcyclists Front and Centre on New Safety Signs

New provincial highway signs are reminding drivers to look twice for motorcyclists as traffic hits its peak on Nova Scotia roads.

The signs, posted at 12 key locations, are part of a new road safety plan that will promote a number of road safety messages during the year.

The new signs are up in time for the Digby Wharf Rat Rally that starts today, Aug. 27. More than 30,000 motorcyclists are expected to visit the province.

"There have been too many fatalities and collisions involving motorcycles already this summer," said Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "This is a busy time on our highways, so we need to do everything we can to keep drivers alert."

"The province committed earlier this year to posting warning signs that highlight motorcycles on our highways," said Jimi Swinamer, president of the Nova Scotia Bikers Down Society. "These will help increase motorcycle awareness during the busiest time of the year."

From 2010 through 2013, there has been an average of nine motorcycle fatalities a year. There have been four so far in 2014.

Later in the year, the signs will be used for other important road safety messages, such as use your seat belt and slow down.

You can view the new motorcycle safety signs and their locations at http://novascotia.ca/tran/roadsafety/motorcycleads.asp .