Driving a Motorcycle: Seven Dangers Riders Face Each Day


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Canada offers an unlimited number of scenic destinations for motorcycle drivers and their passengers to explore on long excursions over an extended vacation or for only brief escapes on a weekend morning. Driving a motorcycle to get away from the confinement of a car or SUV to obscure your vision or other senses is tempting, but it can also be dangerous according to a report from the Ontario Provincial Police.

During the first six months of last year, the Ontario police reported 25 deaths associated with motorcycle crashes. This number was only 6 short of the record number of motorcycle fatalities that occurred two years earlier. The report concluded that most of the fatal crashes were caused by factors other than fault on the part of the motorcycle driver. Here are seven common dangers faced by motorcyclists each day.

Distracted drivers

Anything which takes a drivers focus away from the operation of their motor vehicle or takes their attention away from the road is a distraction. Some of the more common distractions include:

  • Talking or texting on a cellphone
  • Looking at a vehicle’s GPS
  • Tuning the radio
  • Talking to another occupant of the vehicle
  • Eating
  • Reading a map

A vehicle drifting even slightly into oncoming traffic lanes can clip a motorcyclist and send his or her bike dangerously out of control. Distracted drivers also pose a threat at intersections when they make turns in front of oncoming motorcycles.

Sudden stops

Unlike other vehicles that offer more stability during sudden stops, a motorcycle rider risks locking the front wheel during a panic stop. Locking the wheel can cause a rider to be thrown from the bike. Common causes of motorcyclists losing control because of a panic stop include:

  • Sudden stops by other vehicles
  • Deer and other animals darting across the road
  • Pedestrians crossing in front of them
  • Vehicles making turns in front of their path

Road debris

Gravel, motor oil, sand and other debris and objects on the road can be deadly obstacles to a motorcycle rider. Hitting an obstacle or a patch of oil can cause a rider to lose control of a motorcycle. Particularly dangerous are the road surfaces at toll booths or other places where vehicles stop and leave behind oil and grease that could cause a motorcycle rider to lose footing and slip while coming to a stop.

Car doors opening

A car door opening into the path of another vehicle that hits it might result in property damage or minor injuries. Such a scenario involving an approaching motorcycle could result in the death or serious injury of the motorcycle rider.

Unsafe lane changes

The smaller size of a motorcycle as compared to other vehicles on the road makes it easier for it to get lost in a driver’s blind spot when a car or other vehicle is changing lanes. Riders need to be attentive to avoid being struck by vehicles changing lanes.

Weather conditions

The weather is more than an inconvenience to the rider of a motorcycle. Rain, snow and ice can make road surfaces dangerously slick and cause a rider to lose control.

Alcohol consumption

Operating a motorcycle takes coordination, sharp reflexes, an alert mind and good judgment. The consumption of alcohol diminishes a person’s ability to safely operate a motorcycle.

Finding an experienced lawyer when a motorcycle accident occurs

The experienced personal injury lawyers at Diamond and Diamond are available to provide knowledgeable legal advice and skilled representation to recover compensation for the victims of motorcycle accidents who are seriously injured and for the families of those who are killed. Call our 24/7 personal injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to one of our team members. We offer free consultations and case evaluations and have offices located throughout Ontario.