Prevent Motorcycle Accidents in Alberta
Every year, especially in springtime, we're guaranteed to have motorcycle accidents, including fatalities. Find out why this is such a predictable occurrence and what you can do to prevent a motor bike accident and save a life or two.
Warmer temperatures and dry roads are a strong draw for motorcyclists who’ve been stuck inside their 4-wheelers for the past six months or more. The danger begins as they twist that throttle open and time and again we see a motorcycle accident, the rider critically injured… or worse, while the shocked driver says, “I never saw him.”
Here’s why many motorbike accidents occur: a motorcycle's relatively small profile makes it blend into the surroundings, becoming temporarily ‘invisible’ to an oncoming driver. It's particularly true at night when that single headlight makes accurate distance perception by oncoming drivers very challenging; and a motorcycle going at a high rate of speed can look exactly the same as one travelling the speed limit.
A driver making a left turn may actually see the motorcycle, but misjudging its speed will cross its path at the wrong time.
The remedy here is really pretty obvious: Drivers, excercise motorcycle awareness and be extra attentive for motorcycles at this time of year… and Riders, pleeeease remember those oncoming drivers don’t see you nearly as well as you see them.
Another common problem motorcyclists run into (pun intended) is that many car drivers assume that having half as many wheels (two rather than four) means you can manoeuvre twice as fast, stop twice as fast etc. In reality it’s exactly the opposite: motorcycles cannot turn or brake nearly as fast as a car or truck. We won't bore you with the math but remember, car drivers, biker awareness means giving them a little more time to make certain moves and react accordingly.
Keep these points in mind and let's avoid motorcycle accidents and enjoy safe and happy spring motoring.
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