Keeping safe on two wheels
September 11, 2013
The last few weeks have seen several fatal motorcycle accidents in Ontario. The PIA would like to remind all drivers of the following:
1. Above all, when conducting a motor vehicle always remain focused and alert to your surroundings, and without question follow the rules of the road. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by the radio, cell phones, DVD players or even snacking; far too often distractions cause serious personal injuries.
2. Keep in mind that motorcycle accidents often occur during warmer weather, including beautiful autumn days, and are more likely to happen in the early morning and/or at dusk.
3. Most motorcycle accidents happen in controlled intersections. A common accident scenario is when a driver turning left fails to see motorcycles as they proceed through a marked intersection. In doing so, the driver of the vehicle often cuts across the motorcyclist’s path and causes a serious personal injury.
4. Remember to check your mirrors and blind spots when changing lanes. Far too often motorcycle and vehicle collisions occur when the driver of an automobile, travelling in the same direction as a motorcyclist, changes lanes without paying attention to the motorcyclist in the next lane. In doing so, this causes the motor vehicle to collide with the motorcycle and risks forcing them off the road, or worse causing a serious personal injury.
5. Watch your speed. Less experienced motorcyclists (those driving for less than three years) are most likely to get into accidents with speed being a major contributing factor.
Finally, in nearly each and every accident, the person driving the car always blames the motorcyclist for the accident. Irrespective of fault, Statutory Accident Benefits are available to the injured person. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident and have questions about Accident Benefits or taking legal action click here.
For original content used in this blog post, click HERE.
