As the warm breeze of spring ushers out the winter chill, we start to see more motorcycles on the road.
May is motorcycle safety awareness month in Canada so now is the best time to talk a little about how we can keep our roads safer by keeping the rubber side down.
WHY IS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY SO IMPORTANT?
In 2020, Ontario recorded 42 fatalities from motorcycle accidents, up from 27 fatalities in 2019. (1)
Even though motorcycles account for only 3% of all vehicles on Ontario roads, they are involved in 11% of all fatalities. (2)
To put it bluntly, you are significantly more likely to have a fatal accident while riding a motorcycle compared to all other vehicles.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY?
The lion’s share of responsibility to improve these stats falls squarely on the shoulders of the operators.
Of all fatal motorcycle accidents in Ontario, a whopping 72% were deemed to be caused by the driver operating their bike recklessly or improperly. (4) This includes 40% of fatal motorcycle accidents involving excessive speeds before the crash. (5)
While rider behaviour is a major component of improving safety there is also plenty we can all do to help.
LOOK TWICE, SAVE A LIFE
The OPP says that around 1/2 of all accidents involving motorcycles are the fault of other motorists and not the rider. (3)
“Many of these types of collisions are preventable, if drivers signal their intention to change lanes, use side and rearview mirrors properly, conduct a proper shoulder check and remember to check the blind spot.”
Motorcycles, like cyclists and pedestrians, are more difficult to spot but if we all remember to look closely whenever we make a turn or change lanes we may be able to help get these stats down.
WEAR THE PROPER GEAR
The first thing you do before heading out on a ride is strap on the helmet.
Ontario law requires anyone riding on a motorcycle to wear a helmet with the chin strap securely fastened.
According to organizations like NHTSA, wearing a helmet is 37% effective at reducing motorcycle fatalities. That’s a huge number!
In addition, while not a legal requirement, it’s crucial riders wear clothing that is not only protective in the event of a fall (ever hear of road rash? It’s no joke) but also contains brightly coloured areas that help other drivers spot them easier.
TAKE A SAFETY COURSE
Whether you’re taking it as a prerequisite to get your motorcycle license or just doing everything you can to be safe, participating in a motorcycle safety course is a great way to learn.
You can see a full list of places in Ontario that offer government-approved motorcycle safety courses.
AVOID NASTY WEATHER
While contrary to popular belief, wet roads aren’t quite the contributing factor to motorcycle accidents as some may think.
More than 90% of motorcycle accidents in Ontario occur on dry roads during clear weather.
Still, wind, rain and snow can each contribute to making riding a motorcycle more dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
If you’re planning a ride, especially a longer one across a large area, make sure to take a good hard look at the forecast before heading out to minimize your chances of having to deal with slick and treacherous roads.
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE
It’s no secret that alcohol impairs our judgement, balance and reaction time.
While these hindrances are already extremely detrimental for any driver of any type of vehicle, they’re especially impactful when riding a motorcycle which requires more of each to stay safe.
To illustrate, between 2008 – 2014, it was found that 25% of fatal motorcycle accidents had alcohol as a contributing factor. (6)
IN CONCLUSION
While yes according to the stats, in general motorcyclists might be 15 times more likely to suffer a fatal accident; this does not take into account personal choices.
If you’re a rider YOU can choose to be 100% sober, ride within the speed limits every time, avoid wet roads and wear the right gear. For you individually, that 15X stat can be brought down all the way to even.
As for the rest of us motorists on the road? Look twice, signal early, keep your distance and please share this article with any riders in your life.
Erie Mutual Insurance proudly serves the commercial insurance, farm insurance, home insurance and auto insurance needs of members throughout Southern Ontario including Haldimand, Niagara and Hamilton.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about this or any other topic related to your insurance.
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SOURCES
1 – ctvnews.ca
2 – injured.ca
3 – curranpersonalinjurylawyers.ca
4 – g1.ca
5 – tirf.ca
6 – fortnine.ca
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