May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in Nova Scotia

To help make Nova Scotia's highways safer, the province and the Nova Scotia Safety Council are proclaiming the month of May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Transportation and Public Works Minister Angus MacIsaac read the proclamation to a cross section of motorcycle users at a ceremony at Province House today, April 26.

"Thousands of Nova Scotians are taking to the highways on motorcycles now that the weather is warming up," said Mr. MacIsaac. "Our goal is to remind all road users that a moment's inattention can have dire results. Please take extra caution on the highways this season."

"Motorcycle awareness is everyone's responsibility," said Nancy White of the Nova Scotia Safety Council. "Motorcyclists are at a higher risk for injury than people in cars, but we all need to be aware and look twice before proceeding from a stop or turn."

The Nova Scotia Safety Council will host the second annual Motorcycle Safety Awareness Rodeo on Sunday, May 27. The purpose of the event is to bring together the public and motorcyclists to help educate them on how to share the road.

There were six motorcycle fatalities in Nova Scotia last year and 26 during the last five years. While the onus is on motorcyclists to drive safely and wear helmets, Mr. MacIsaac said all drivers need to be aware of the increased number of motorcycles on the road during the warmer months.

More information about motorcycle safety and the motorcycle safety rodeo can be found on the Nova Scotia Safety Council website at www.nssafety.ns.ca .