DriveSmartBC

The Minister of Justice announced changes to the Motor Vehicle Act affecting motorcycle helmets and motorcycle passengers. Effective June 1, 2012 all motorcycle riders who are not exempt will have to wear an approved motorcycle helmet that bears approval markings showing that they comply with established standards.

Another great slow motion video from Australia's Transport Accident Commission (TAC). The public education campaign targets two of Victoria's biggest issues in road safety -- motorcycle safety and speed.

TAC Victoria's 'Vice Versa' campaign was first launched in 2002 and is aimed at car drivers highlighting the vulnerability of motorcyclists and the need to be more aware and actively look for them on the road. The campaign depicts a rider in everyday traffic conditions and a car driver who is attempting to change lanes.

The July 19, 2001 edition of the Status Report looks at crash avoidance systems, red light cameras and motorcycle helmet labeling requirements.

Rock the Gear Inc. is a national, not-for-profit organization that focuses on motorcycle safety apparel education and provides a community of support for those who want to learn more and/or become involved. Brittany Morrow is the President and founder, this is her story:

For as long as I've known people that were nearly old enough to acquire a license I've been hearing the same things over and over again. It doesn't seem to matter how young or old someone is, almost all of them will offer up the fact that they are "really good drivers".

There seems to be something wrong with car and truck drivers, something that resides deep down in their souls and forces them to make things more dangerous for motorcycles.

SMIDSY, or Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You is a constant worry for motorcycle riders. This accident is easily avoidable, in order to understand why they occur, riders need to be trained to spot tell-tale signs and know how to deal with these situations. This video teaches riders to do both.

There is a lot of disagreement about the proper use of the rear brake. People that don't understand braking at all, particularly if they have experience in cars, often gravitate toward the rear brake and avoid the front brake.

This case decides the liability for a collision where a motorcycle overtaking two vehicles is struck when the second vehicle pulled out to pass the first. All three had been following together at a speed under the limit. At the first available opportunity the motorcycle passed, not seeing a signal from the vehicle in front.