New motorcycle regulations to reduce crashes and death
April 9, 2010 by Saba Taye
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It will take new motorcycle riders in British Columbia a little longer to get onto the roads due to licensing changes.
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) has established a graduated licensing program for new motorcycle drivers in an effort to decrease the number of motorcycle-related deaths in the province.
The changes follow B.C. Coroners Services (BCCS) recommendations that new drivers be better prepared for the dangers of riding a motorcycle.
Two levels of restrictions
The graduated licensing program will place restrictions on drivers, establishing two levels—a 12-month “L” stage for learners and a 24-month “N” level for novice drivers.
A learner can reduce their time in the novice stage by taking an ICBC approved driver education course. The new driver must have a (L) learner motorcycle license, have no prohibitions, not get any violation tickets during their learner stage or have any at fault crashes in order to have the six months removed from their time as a novice driver.
Both the L and N class are required to have a sign on their motorcycle at all times showing what class they are in and must have a blood alcohol level of zero.
According to BCCS, 286 people died in motorcycle–related deaths between 2000 and 2007.
This story was originally published by Canadian Insurance Top Broker.