With warmer weather on our doorstep, many motorcycle enthusiasts will be pulling out their bikes from winter hibernation and taking advantage of our beautiful province.
Each year across Nova Scotia, numerous accidents are reported, with a vast number involving motorcycles.
Over the past few years there has been steady increase in accidents, including those involving motorcycles across the Annapolis Valley and beyond.
While our population growing, motorists have to adapt to our current infrastructure and the increase in vehicles on our roadways.
Looking twice, is always important, not even just for motorcycles but for everyone’s safety.
Motorcycle riders can enhance their safety by being proactive and wearing proper protective gear, such as helmets and durable clothing. Ensuring that you stay alert, understand your abilities on your bike and follow traffic laws are crucial to your safety as a rider!
Below are a few key reminders that I’ve shared over the past few years for motorists.
Over half of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle. In most cases it’s the motorist and not the motorcyclist who is at fault. There are way more cars and trucks out on our roads than motorcycles.
“In Canada, motorcycle-related fatalities have seen an increase. While motorcycles represent a small percentage of road users, they account for a disproportionate share of road deaths. Specifically, there was a 9.5% increase in motorcycle-related fatalities from 2021 to 2022, with 258 fatalities recorded. The average number of motorcycle fatalities from 2016-2020 was 180 per year.” – Statistics Canada
Riders continue to be one of the most vulnerable road users. Only representing 2% of all Canadian road users. Motorcycle related fatalities account for more than 10% of all road-related deaths.
Look twice for motorcycles!!!
Due to the smaller than normal size they can be easily hidden in a motorists blind spot, looking down at your phone, the stereo or grabbing a cup of coffee for even a second, could potentially take a life.
It’s important to be extra aware at intersections and when you are changing lanes on highways.
Check again, and again because of the small size, motorcycles may look like there farther away then what they actually appear.
Keep a safe distance, motorcyclists often slow down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle which means their brakes aren’t activated. This means you should predict a motorcycle to slow down without warning.
Lane changing, motorcycles often adjust positions within a lane to see easier, they do this for a purpose, wind, road debris etc.
Do your part, each year many homeowners leave grass clippings scattered along highways, the high water content in grass combined with pressure of the tires can lead to loss of traction, resulting in an accident.
See the person, remember when you see a motorcycle see the person under the helmet, it could be a friend, neighbour or relative.
We can all make a difference, focus, stay alert and drive safe!
#looktwicesavealife
Some Information Adapted from, For Car Drivers, Derek Wilson Personal Injury Law, Statistics Canada and Transport Canada.
Adrian J.
