Frequency of motorcycle accidents a concern for OPP Detachments within the Central Region of the OPP have over the past few weeks seen an increase in the number of motor vehicle collisions involving motorcycles. In many cases, motorcycle operators have sustained very serious life threatening injuries. Motorcycle operators can never assume that others motorists can see you and must remember to reduce speed prior to entering curves or where road surfaces change from asphalt to gravel. “Some collisions have involved drivers of motor vehicles either changing lanes or turning from road to another and not seeing the motorcycle” says Inspector Dom Beckett, Manager of the OPP Central Region Traffic and Marine Unit. “These types of collisions are preventable, if drivers signal their intention to change lanes, use side and rear view mirrors properly, conduct a proper shoulder check and remember to check the blind spot” adds Inspector Beckett. Chief Superintendent John Tod, Regional Commander of the OPP Central Region says “Road Safety is a shared responsibility and every motorist must do their part to make sure that our roads are safe for all modes of transportation; the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) website provides a number of excellent resources including those listed below”, adds Chief Superintendent Tod. Share the road with motorcycles – in almost half of all motorcycle collisions the motorist is at fault, not the motorcyclist Motorcycles use a full lane; treat them like other vehicles when driving. A safe following distance is at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This lets you see around the vehicle ahead and gives you enough distance to stop suddenly. Many motorcycle collisions occur between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., so take extra caution at these times. Watch for motorcycles at intersections – over one third of motorcycle collisions are intersection related. Be sure that you are safe to proceed before doing so by checking your mirrors and around your car. Slow down as you come to intersection and look carefully for traffic, yield signs, stop signs, traffic lights, cyclists and pedestrians. Be extra cautious when turning left in front of a motorcycle. It’s difficult to judge their speed and their turn signal may be accidentally left on as they don’t automatically shut off. Watch for clues Motorcycle turn signals can be hard to see. Watch for signs, such as shoulder checking or leaning that indicate the rider is going to turn or change lanes. Carefully assess an oncoming motorcycle’s speed A motorcycle is more difficult to see than other vehicles and its profile is smaller from most angles. A motorcycle’s speed and distance can easily be misjudged by drivers. Make sure you don’t pull out in front of, or cut off, a motorcycle. Be courteous Respect motorcyclists - they are just as entitled to use the road as you are. Speed and other aggressive tactics such as tailgating can potentially be more dangerous to the motorcyclist, who has less protection on a smaller, open vehicle. Give other drivers space to change lanes, avoid cutting them off and signal your turns and lane changes properly. Be aware of motorcycles (and other vehicles) around your car Check your mirrors frequently so you are aware of the other vehicles around you and how close they are. Remember to check your blind spot, especially before changing lanes. A motorcycle is small enough to be entirely hidden within your blind spot.
Posted on: Wed, 28 May 2014 20:22:50 +0000
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