A recent accident south of Powell River involving a motorcycle and SUV is a reminder that the motorcyclist always loses in a crash.
“People need to give them extra room,” said Powell River RCMP sergeant Kevin Day. “Motorcyclists need to ensure they give themselves extra room.”
It is motorbike season along Highway 101 and more of them are roaring first off the ferries, opening up on the straightaways and leaning into the curves.
“Police come into contact with motorcycle vehicle accidents on a fairly frequent basis when it becomes motorcycle season,” said Day.
Most accidents in Powell River occur within the city but wherever or whenever motorcycle meets metal, it is unforgiving, according to Day.
“Motorcyclists will be injured in one way, shape or form,” he said.
On June 20, RCMP were called to the scene of an accident near the Saltery Bay Provincial Park.
The motorcyclist, a Powell River resident, was riding a 2011 Kawasaki and heading south. The driver of a 2016 Mitsubishi SUV was making a left-hand turn out of the campground to head north on Highway 101.
The collision left the motorcyclist with significant injuries to his lower body. He was transferred to Powell River General Hospital and then airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital. It is not known if the rider remains in hospital or has been released, according to Day.
The driver of the Mitsubishi, a resident of Victoria, sustained minor injuries.
Day said RCMP officers are continuing to investigate and it is not yet known if charges will be laid.
Eight months ago, a 62-year-old driver of a Kawasaki motorcycle was killed and the 21-year-old driver of a Jeep YJ came away from a crash with minor injuries following an accident northbound on Highway 101 at Canoe Main Forestry Road.
“Motorists need to think about the fact that motorcycles are not not always easily seen and we need to take the extra time and caution,” said Day. “The same goes for motorcycles. They need to use extra caution to drive responsibly and proactively in trying to do everything they can to prevent them getting into an accident.”
