Motor Cycle Safety Particularly Important in the Spring

May 01, 2018, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

One of the first true signs of spring in Ontario is appearance of motorcycles on the roads and highways.  It marks the end of snow and ice, and the start of the spring/summer driving and riding season. Spring though, is a particularly dangerous time for motorcyclists for a number of reasons.

Car drivers have not been looking for motorcycles on the road for the entire winter season and may not be prepared to be using the extra diligence required to keep bikers on the road safe. All drivers need to be aware of motorcycles on the roads and should be giving them ample room when following them on the road. Drivers should also be careful when doing any lane changes as bikes are smaller and more difficult to spot in the blind spot of cars.

After hibernating all winter bikers can be eager to get on the road. Motorcyclists should be vigilant for drivers of cars and trucks that are not paying attention. Here are some safety tips for spring:

1. Make sure your bike is tuned up and mechanically sound after being stored all winter.
2. Consider wearing the new high visibility gear which really makes them stand out on the roads. Follow all of the rules of the road, not speeding, weaving in traffic or lane splitting.
3.  Always drive sober, insured, and wear all the required safety gear (helmets etc.)  as well.
4. There is a lot of residual gravel and sand on the roads to be alert for in the Ontario spring as well. The gravel is loose on the roads and reduces the friction on the road. Hitting an unexpected patch of gravel on a motorbike can cause accidents, injuries and even death.
5. Potholes – they can be deadly. Avoid hitting them and if it isn’t possible to avoid them slow down as much as you can BEFORE you hit them. Keep your front wheel straight and watch where you want to go. Consider standing up a bit when you hit the hole to let your legs absorb some of the shock of impact
6. Road debris like plastic bottles and garbage should be avoided.
7. Black ice is a reality in Ontario well into May or even June on early mornings. Look out for it anytime the temps are below 3’C.

Many biker safety groups and insurers suggest that you head out to a parking lot first thing in the spring and just practice some slow speed manoeuvres before you head out for a big ride. They also suggest a spring safety refresher course with an experienced instructor. These courses can help you learn or relearn how to deal with unexpected events on the roads. If you really want to open it up on the bike head to a local track and enjoy the speed safely.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

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