Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Ontario

Make Sure They Don’t Happen to You!

Keep safe! As we head into motorcycle season, freshen up on your motorcycle safety to ensure an injury-free summer.
Here are the common causes of motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them:

1. Not Being Seen

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is not being seen by other vehicles. Avoid blindspots and wear bright clothing where possible.

2.Uneven or Slippery Ground

Because motorcycles have 2 wheels instead of four they are even more susceptible to instability. Avoid going out within an hour of rainfall and always make sure you have excellent tires.

3. Entering a Corner Too Fast

Always take it slow around corners. Entering a corner too fast is very hard to correct while it’s happening.

4. Getting Hit From Behind

While fender benders are common, they are fatal to motorcyclist. To avoid them, motorcyclists should stop to the side rather than the centre of the lane and rapidly flash your break light by tapping a brake lever.

5. Alcohol

Never ever drink alcohol and drive a motorcycle. It is the number one cause of motorcycle accidents.

Want to reduce the risk of a crash? New riders, and those who want a refresher, should take a basic motorcycle driving course such as the one available at Algonquin College. To register call 1-800-565-4723.

Saying you didn’t see a cyclist is no excuse! Motorcycles can do their best to avoid accidents, but it is also the responsibility of cars to watch the road.

To learn more about motorcycle safety and personal injury sign up to receive our free Recovery newsletter. This month is all about motorcycles!

About the Author: Brenda Hollingsworth

Brenda Hollingsworth co-founded Ottawa’s Auger Hollingsworth in 2005 with her husband Richard Auger. Together, their mission was to create a personal injury law firm for Eastern Ontario that is unrivalled in the province for customer service and legal expertise. Brenda was named an Ottawa Business Journal Forty Under 40 award recipient and took home the Women’s Business Network’s Businesswoman of the Year award in the Professional category. She was also recognized as one of Ottawa Life Magazine’s “Top 50 People in the Capital.” She is often quoted as an expert and has appeared in media outlets such as CTV, The Globe and Mail, National Post, Ottawa Citizen, Sun Media, CBC, Toronto Star, Montreal Gazette, CFRA and many legal publications.

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