Steps motorcyclists can take to avoid accidents and injuries
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The end of winter has a lot of people spending time in their garages getting their motorcycles ready to take onto the roads throughout Ontario. Motorcycle enthusiasts boast of the pleasure of traveling through the cities and countryside without the confinement imposed by the steel and glass enclosure of other types of motor vehicles. Riding on a motorcycle might offer a sense of freedom and the chance to enjoy the sights, scents and sounds of the open road, but it is also a dangerous activity that is responsible for at least 10 percent of all fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents even though motorcycles represent only 2 percent of the vehicles on the road. There are steps motorcycle riders can take to reduce their risk of being involved in an accident and limiting the seriousness of their injuries.
Learn the proper way to ride a motorcycle
Simply because you can ride a bicycle and drive a car do not mean you are qualified to safely operate a motorcycle. Getting a licence to operate a motorcycle in Ontario requires the applicant to complete a written test demonstrating the person’s knowledge of the rules of the road and the signs a rider might encounter along the road. Successful completion of the written test results in the person receiving an M1 licence.
M1 riders may only ride during daytime hours and on roads with speed limits up to 80 kph. Someone with an M1 licence is not allowed to carry passengers.
A person can have an M1 licence upgraded to an M2 licence by passing a road test. The restrictions of an M1 licence are removed, but individuals with an M2 licence cannot have any level of alcohol in their system when riding. A full motorcycle licence, known as an M licence, is issued only upon successfully completing a second road test.
There are motorcycle courses someone interested in learning how to ride can take. The courses require payment of a fee, but students are taught the rules of the road and riding skills needed to pass the provincial tests to obtain a motorcycle licence. It also ensures that the individual learns the skills needed to be a safe rider.
Wear a helmet designed for use by motorcycle riders
Motorcycles lack the protection of a steel frame surrounding the operator as drivers and passengers have when riding in cars, SUVs and trucks. In the event of a crash, the heads of motorcycle riders and passengers are exposed to trauma caused by hitting the pavement or striking other objects. Riders are also vulnerable to being struck in the head and face by objects falling from other vehicles, overpasses or from objects kicked up by the wheels of other vehicles.
Helmets designed for motorcycle riding offer protection to the head, neck and face in the event of a crash. When equipped with a visor, they can protect a wearer’s eyes from being injured by sand and other flying particles and objects.
Riders in Ontario must wear a helmet manufactured according to standards set up any of the organizations recognized under provincial law. This ensures a person of the best protection possible in the event of a collision.
It is also a good idea for riders and passengers to wear clothing offering the most protection in the event the motorcycle goes down. Long-sleeved jackets made of leather and denim jeans offer better protection than cotton in the event a person skids along the pavement as a result of a crash
Ontario personal injury lawyers
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, the personal injury lawyers at Diamond and Diamond have years of experience successfully handling compensation claims for people injured through the negligence of other parties. Call their 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit their website to speak to someone now. They offer free consultations and case evaluations to injured victims throughout Ontario.