May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Nova Scotia

To raise driver awareness of increased motorcycle traffic on Nova Scotia roads, the province and Safety Services Nova Scotia are proclaiming May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks read the proclamation to motorcyclists at a ceremony in Fall River today, April 28.

"Thanks to our warm dry spring, motorcyclists have been able to get on the road earlier than usual," said Mr. Estabrooks. "Designating May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month will help drivers realize the importance of being extra alert at this time of year."

"There are now more than 30,000 motorcycles registered in Nova Scotia," said Ed Snow of Safety Services Nova Scotia. "To improve their safety on our highways, motorcyclists should take a training course and wear proper equipment."

There were eight motorcycle fatalities in Nova Scotia last year and 38 during the last five years.

"It's the motorcycle user who is most at risk in collisions but it's important to realize that motorcycle awareness is everyone's responsibility," said Mr. Estabrooks. "All drivers need to be aware and look twice before proceeding from a stop or turn."

More information on motorcycle safety and training courses can be found on the Safety Services Nova Scotia at www.safetyservicesns.com .