September has arrived, but motorcycle season is far from over in Ontario – in the province’s south region, fall foliage makes October one of the best months of the year to enjoy a long weekend ride. Unfortunately, as every Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer knows, motorcycle riding comes with inherent risks.
Last month, the British Columbia Coroners Service announced that 30 motorcyclists had died so far in 2018, twice as many as the year before. Eighteen of those deaths came in July, alone. Several months earlier, in May, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) released data showing that fatal Ontario motorcycle accidents had reached a 10-year high in 2017.
“Over and above marking a 10-year high, what made last year’s 48 motorcyclist deaths particularly tragic was the fact that almost half (22) of the motorcycle drivers were not the at-fault driver,” the police service said in a release.
In British Columbia, speed and impairment are the most common causes of fatal motorcycle crashes.
“Speed is the leading factor for motorcycle crashes,” said Lindsay Matthews, ICBC interim vice-president responsible for road safety, in a release. “It makes it difficult to respond to unexpected events, or to correct for errors. ICBC strongly encourage motorcyclists to keep within posted speed limits at all times, and to wear full protective gear to protect themselves in the event of a crash.”
Environmental factors also contributed to about a quarter of the deaths in BC.
Safety Tips
Any Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer can tell you to wear your helmet and reduce your speed, but what else can Ontario motorcyclists do to avoid accidents this fall?
- Wear full riding gear: protective apparel can mean the difference between a mild and serious injury
- Ride defensively: assume other drivers can’t see you; keep your headlights on and avoid drivers’ blind spots
- Never drive while inebriated
- Inspect your motorcycle prior to your ride: check tires for cracks, bulges, and wear; look for oil or gas leaks; make sure your headlights are working; keep tabs on hydraulic and coolant fluid levels; ensure the clutch and throttle are working smoothly; adjust mirrors as necessary; test the horn; test the brakes at a low speed.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to speak with an experienced Ontario motorcycle accident lawyer. Our team can help you understand your legal options and provide guidance as you take the first steps on your road to recovery.
Image credit: Mikey O./Wikimedia Commons
