Two people were transported to the hospital Sunday evening with life-threatening injuries after the motorcycle they were riding was struck by another vehicle.
According to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the accident occurred around 6 p.m. at the intersection of North Talbot Road and County Road 27 when a brown four-door Ford sedan struck the Harley Davidson motorcycle the two were riding.
The 57-year-old Lakeshore man driving the motorcycle and his 54-year-old female passenger suffered severe injuries and were rushed to the hospital, while the 22-year-old driver of the Ford suffered minor injuries.
The intersection was closed for several hours while police investigated the accident. The exact cause of the collision remains unknown.
Another Deadly Start to Motorcycle Season
Sunday’s collision is the third serious or fatal motorcycle accident in the last two months.
On March 9, a 17-year-old died from injuries sustained in a collision with a minivan at the intersection of Cabana Road and Roxborough Boulevard in Windsor. The driver of the van was charged with failing to reasonably avoid a collision in a left turn.
Just two weeks later, a 26-year-old motorcyclist suffered serious injuries after crashing into a parked vehicle.
The incidents prompted OPP to issue a warning to motorists to drive more carefully as we move into a warmer Spring season when more motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians are on the roads.
Last year was identified by OPP as one of the deadliest for motorcyclists in the province, resulting in 25 deaths by July 11.
Motorcycle Safety
Although there are many causes of motorcycle accidents, one of the most common causes is driver negligence. It is vital that motorists take the following precautions to help prevent a motorcycle accident:
- Allow extra space between vehicles – It is recommended that you maintain a four-second distance behind motorcyclists. This gives you enough time to react to unexpected hazards. Motorcycles stop much more quickly than other vehicles, which could cause an accident if the other vehicle is too close.
- Look before you turn – A significant number of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections where motorists failed to see a motorcyclist. Look in every direction for any signs of a motorcyclist before making a turn. It is best to make eye contact with the motorcyclist before making a move.
- Check your blind spots – Motorcycles are small and often difficult to see. If a motorcycle is lost in your blind spot, it could have devastating consequences. Turn your head and check your blind spots before changing lanes.
- Remain alert – Distracted drivers caused more traffic accidents in 2016 than those who were speeding or under the influence. Make sure you put away all distractions and remain focused on the road at all times.
Motorcyclists can also drive defensively by following these safety tips:
- Take a professional rider training course – To obtain a motorcycle license, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation requires that all applicants pass vision, written and skills tests to demonstrate their knowledge of motorcycles, the rules of the road and their handling of the vehicles. It is recommended that you take a training course to prepare for those tests. The more training and experience you have on the road, the safer you will be.
- Always wear a helmet – A motorcyclist’s best defense against a fatal injury in an accident is to wear an approved motorcycle helmet. Make sure it is fastened correctly.
- Wear bright, visible clothing – The greatest threat to motorcyclists is the fact that they are often not seen by other motorists. Wearing brightly colored clothes can help improve your visibility.
- Communicate with other drivers – Communicating with other drivers is important for making sure others know what you are planning as your next move. You should establish eye contact with another driver and use hand signals to communicate.
- Constantly scan your surroundings – You should scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead of your course of travel to identify and avoid potential hazards. This is especially important when approaching intersections, which is where many motorcycle accidents occur. Always look twice for red-light runners and vehicles making left turns.
- Remain alert and focused – Motorcyclists, like all motorists, should remain alert and focused on driving. Put away any distractions that could take your attention away from the task of driving.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by another’s negligence, you should contact a reputable lawyer for more information about your legal options.
Our Windsor motorcycle accident lawyers offer free consultations to review the details of your accident and determine if you have a case. If you do, we will work tirelessly to build your case and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Call (866) 320-4770 today for a free, no obligation consultation.