Drivers and Motorcyclists Need to Work Together to Make Roads Safer

• 
  Catherine Shearer
  Partner

It’s motorcycle season, let’s all do our part to make it safer.

Motorcyclists are 13.5 times more likely to die in a traffic collision when compared to car drivers. This probably isn’t that surprising as there is a smaller margin for error when you don’t have seat belts, airbags and roll cages. One minor mistake in a car can be lethal on a motorcycle.

The most dangerous areas for motorcyclists are intersections and driveways. Unfortunately, other drivers frequently state that they did not see the motorcycle when making a left turn or pulling out into traffic. This could be in part because when a driver scans the intersection or looks before pulling into a lane of traffic they simply aren’t looking for a motorcycle. Many of us are guilty of driving on autopilot and it can be very easy to miss a motorcycle or bicycle when you are looking for other cars or SUVs. It’s so very important to remind ourselves, especially in the summer months to look out for motorcyclist, mopeds, and bicycles. In these circumstances, the drivers not on a motorcycle are typically the ones at fault.

However, other factors that play into motorcycle collisions such as speed, alcohol and drug consumption, as well as inexperience. In these circumstances, the motorcyclist may have caused or contributed to the cause of the collision. This is not necessarily a bar to recovery for the motorcyclist or their family.   Each case is very fact-specific and one should consult with an experienced injury lawyer to learn more about their rights in those circumstances.

We must all do our part to make the roads safer. We must remind ourselves, especially in the summer months, to stay alert to motorcyclists especially at intersections. We must all keep free from distracted driving. We must all watch our speed and ensure that we are not mixing drugs or alcohol with driving.

For additional information please do not hesitate to contact me shearer@mckenzielake.com or @guelphinjurylawyer

This article was written by Personal Injury Lawyer Catherine Shearer, working from both our Guelph Ontario and London Ontario offices.