Why You Should Practice Motorcycle Safety

A recent article from 680 news shared Toronto Police Service’s message about their concern for motorcycle riders’ safety. So far, there have been 2 fatal motor vehicle accidents involving motorcyclists and Toronto police want drivers of other vehicles to pay close attention when making any type of turn or lane changes.
Consider that motorcyclists do not have airbags or the frame of a car or truck to protect them. Injuries caused by accidents can be severe and life-threatening.


According to the Road Safety In Canada 2011 report from Transport Canada, motorcyclists fall into the category of “vulnerable road users” as “they are vulnerable by virtue of their lack of protection if struck by a vehicle”. In total, vulnerable road users equate to approximately 25% of traffic fatalities in Canada. According to this report, 38% of fatalities involved motorcyclists speeding prior to the collision and 33% had been impaired due to alcohol prior to the crash. The report suggests that provinces that offer graduated drive license programs, including Ontario should offer a more comprehensive exit test where the focus of the test, suggested to be conducted on a simulator could be detecting danger and avoidance techniques.


According to Transport Canada’s Canada Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics: 2015 report, the number of motorcyclist fatalities has increased from 175 in 2011 to 2000 in 2015. The percentage of motorcycle fatalities increased from 8.7% in 2011 to 10.8% in 2015.


In previous posts, we have provided some safety tips for motorcycle riders and for drivers.
Important safety tips for motorcyclists include:

• Making sure you can handle your motorcycle. When you purchase a motorcycle, buy one that is a good fit and that you will feel comfortable on the road with. Your motorcycle may be more powerful and be able to go faster than you think!
• Attend a training program before you start riding your motorcycle on busy streets and main roads, and of course, with passengers. This is recommended by the Canada Safety Council and there are government approved riding programs available through the Ministry of Transportation.
• Always wear protective gear including a well-fitted helmet, proper eyewear, closed-toe footwear and proper clothing (leather is often recommended).
• Make sure your motorcycle is in working order: Are your brakes working? Are your lights and directional signals working?
• Never operate a motorcycle while impaired, whether it’s from drugs or alcohol, or when distracted. Texting or checking e-mails while operating a motorcycle is dangerous. Anything that takes your eyes off the road and impacts your ability to focus and drive endangers your life and the lives of your passenger, and other road users.  
• Signal whenever possible so other road users know your intentions.
• Stay away from drivers’ blind spots by riding in the middle of the lane so you are most visible.
• Another way to stay visible is to wear bright, reflective clothing, which is also helpful during nighttime riding.
• Watch out for any debris that is on the road or for potholes.
• Mind your speed, because you need to be able to brake properly and come to a full stop. This is very important if you are driving on a busy road or if it starts to rain.
• Keep a liberal following distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of you. You should leave suitable space when sharing the lane and passing other vehicles.
  
  
  

Important safety tips for drivers include:

• Keep your eyes on the road at all times and avoid distractions such as cell phones, food, or anything that takes your hands off your steering wheel and eyes off the road.
• Don’t drive impaired as it affects your ability to focus and drive safely.
• Always check your surroundings, because it may be hard to see a motorcycle rider in your mirror. Make it a habit to check all blind spots to sure it is safe to turn, change lanes or proceed through an intersection.
• Leave a generous amount of room between your vehicle and a motorcycle when driving behind a motorcycle.
• Give motorcyclists the full lane as they have the right to drive in the full lane. Driving side by side may cause the motorcyclist to swerve.
  
  
  

If you are injured as a result of a collision, you may be wondering what to do next. As an injured person, it is important to know your rights and obligations. Here are some suggested tips:

• At the scene of the accident, if you are able to, make sure to get the other driver’s contact information, complete insurance information including the insurance company, policy holder’s name and policy number.
• Call the police. Sometimes the police do not attend the scene of some accidents (where damage is less than $2,000), but if they do attend, you will be able to obtain a partial motor vehicle accident report or a form with the details of your accident, which is an important document that your lawyer will require. Another option if the police do not attend the scene is to attend the nearest collision centre so your accident is documented in the same manner.
• If you are able to, take pictures of both your motorcycle and the vehicle that hit you to show the damage.
• Write down what happened so you have a proper account of the accident when you meet with a lawyer or for reporting your accident to your insurance company.
• If there were any witnesses, obtain their contact information.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Of course, for serious injuries this is a priority! An ambulance may attend the scene of the accident and take you to the nearest hospital. You should also see your family doctor as soon as possible if you can.
• As soon as you are able to, contact your insurer to report the accident and so that they can send you an application to apply for accident benefits. Accident benefits include income replacement benefits and medical and rehabilitation benefits. These forms may seem confusing and overwhelming, but when you hire a lawyer, they will be able to explain them to you and how to complete them.
• Make a list of and keep track of all your doctors and treatment providers as this information is important for your lawyer to have.
• Keep track of any expenses you have that are “out of pocket”. This type of expense refers to expenses that are not covered by your insurance company.
• Contact an experienced lawyer who handles personal injury claims so you can become informed of your rights and obligations as an insured person and so you do not miss any important limitation periods.
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The lawyers at Aaron Waxman and Associates have helped clients who have been injured as a result of motor vehicle accidents, including motorcyclists. If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of an accident, you can call our office to book a free consultation with a licensed lawyer at a date and time that is convenient for you.