Top Tips for Motorcycle Safety
With warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, motorcycle season is most definitely upon us. This is a cue for all road users to remain extra vigilant, because more riders on the roads means an increased risk of accident and injury.
Motorcycle accidents BC
Sadly, motorcycle accidents happen all too frequently, especially during the summer months. According to ICBC statistics, there were 2,500 incidents involving a motorcycle in British Columbia in 2017 alone. Of these, 29 were fatal.
ICBC also states that drivers are at fault in nearly 80% of motorcycle crashes. So, while you may be perfectly competent as a motorcyclist, you are still at the mercy of other road users. This is not always something you can control, but there are ways to improve your safety.
Tips for motorcycle safety
To help you stay safe on the roads while riding a motorcycle, it is recommended that you –
- Wear an approved motorcycle helmet
- Wear protective clothing – even if it’s hot
- Wear bright, reflective clothing
- Regularly inspect and maintain your motorcycle, particularly the tires, breaks, mirrors, lights and cables
- Give other vehicles on the road space and do not tailgate them
- Never assume that another driver has seen you
- Try to avoid being in another driver’s blind spot
- Drive slowly, especially in wet, slippery conditions
- Ride defensively
The majority of motorcycle accidents happen at intersections, so proceed with caution. Even if it is your right of way, another driver may fail to yield or may be distracted. In fact, police data shows these are amongst the top reasons for car crashes with motorcycles.
Motorcycle accident lawyers
Because other drivers are so often at fault, we know that it is impossible to prevent every single motorcycle accident. Even if you ride carefully and consistently, you cannot always prepare for another vehicle failing to stop or neglecting to check their blind spot.
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in motorcycle accident – be it as a driver or a passenger – do not hesitate to contact us for legal advice. If another person is to blame for your accident, you will be entitled to ICBC Part 7 benefits and personal injury compensation.
For those injured in motorcycle accidents, damages can be significant. Injuries are often serious in nature, and this can have long-term ramifications – not just physically, but psychologically and financially, too. A personal injury claim allows you to recover compensation for these injuries.
Contact us now
To speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer, please contact us now at John Mickelson Law Corporation. Either fill in the free online enquiry form or call us on 604 684 0040.
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