A 54-year-old Prince George man was transported to hospital in the Lower Mainland with serious head injuries after flipping his motorcycle late Friday night.
A "skull cap" style helmet with a large crack was recovered at the scene. That type of helmet has been illegal in B.C. since June 2012 due to safety concerns.
Evidence indicates the motorcycle was heading west on 15th Avenue when it struck the meridian near Central Street, causing the motorcycle to flip and throw the rider, said police, who were called to the scene just before 11 p.m.
Prince George RCMP urged motorcycle riders, bicycle riders and vehicle drivers to take extra caution as the daylight starts to end sooner.
"If you choose to ride after dark, please take the extra steps necessary to ensure you will be seen," Cpl. Craig Douglass said. "Properly functioning lights are a must and high visibility vests are strongly recommended. Always wear an approved helmet."
A helmet is considered legal only if it meets one of three safety standards:
- DOT: conformance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218; Motorcycle helmets (United States of America), also known as FMVSS 218 (49CFR571.218).
- Snell M2005 or Snell M2010: certification in accordance with the Snell Memorial Foundation 2005 or 2010 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use with Motorcycles and Other Motorized Vehicles.
- ECE: approved in accordance with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) Regulation No. 22.
Those found riding without an approved helmet are subject to a $138 fine. Refusing a demand to produce a helmet carries a $276 fine.
