Warm spring weather in Toronto often signals the start of motorcycle season for many bikers in the GTA. That’s one reason May is designated Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, an annual educational event nicknamed “Riders For Life” and sponsored by the Motorcyclist Confederation of Canada.
So, what can motorcyclists in Toronto do to stay safe on the road? Just how common are motorcycle accidents in Toronto and the rest of Ontario? And what are the common causes of motorcycle collisions in Toronto? Our motorcycle accident lawyers at Smitiuch Injury Law break down what you should know.
How common are motorcycle accidents in Ontario?
Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes often occur in Ontario. In 2022, a total of 83 people died, and 1,237 motorcyclists were injured in accidents in Ontario, according to motorcycle accident fatality data compiled by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
How common are motorcycle accidents in Toronto?
The short answer? Very common. In 2023, there were 1,979 motorcycle accidents in Toronto, a 23 percent increase compared to 2022, according to motorcycle accident data compiled by the City of Toronto. The year before, 50 motorcyclists died in fatal motorcycle accidents in Toronto, according to the Toronto Police Service Public Safety Data Portal. That means that 60.2 percent of all motorcycle accident fatalities in Ontario in 2022 occurred in Toronto.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents
In many cases, motorcycle accidents occur due to the aggressive or dangerous actions of drivers in the city. Some of the most common causes of these collisions include:
- Failure to check blind spots: Drivers often fail to adequately check their blind spots before changing lanes or making turns, putting motorcyclists at risk of collisions.
- Unsafe lane changes: Abrupt or unsafe lane changes without signaling or proper checking for motorcycles can catch motorcyclists off guard and lead to accidents.
- Distracted driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or other activities while driving divert a driver's attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents involving motorcycles.
- Failing to yield right of way: Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to motorcycles at intersections or when merging can cause accidents by ignoring traffic signals or signs.
- Speeding: Excessive speeding reduces a driver's ability to react to changing road conditions and increases the severity of accidents, including those involving motorcycles.
- Following too closely: Tailgating or following motorcycles too closely reduces the driver's reaction time and increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Making left-hand turns: Misjudging the speed or distance of approaching motorcycles when making left-hand turns can result in accidents if drivers fail to yield to oncoming traffic.
- Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers pose a significant danger to motorcyclists and other road users due to reduced reaction times and impaired judgment.
- Fatigue: Drowsy driving can lead to inattentiveness and errors that put motorcyclists at risk, as fatigued drivers may exhibit similar impairments to intoxicated drivers.
- Aggressive driving: Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and road rage can intimidate and endanger motorcyclists, increasing the risk of accidents on the road.
Why should I hire a Toronto motorcycle accident lawyer?
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries with significant expenses. This is why injured motorcyclists should learn more about their legal rights and talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Smitiuch Injury Law can help you better understand all your potential legal options. When you meet with us, we can answer your important legal questions and explain what our law firm can do to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Get a law firm that takes a personalized approach to every case. Contact us and schedule a free consultation. Our law firm has three offices conveniently located in Toronto, Brantford, and Simcoe, Ontario.
