It’s a seasonal inevitability: when the weather warms up, the motorcycles start to appear. For some, a motorcycle becomes the primary vehicle for the daily commute. For others, it’s a recreational passion. Whichever the case, the grim fact is that the rate of injury for these riders is much higher than it is for car drivers. When it comes to accident prevention, the best thing you can do is slow down. Ginny Allen, founder of Motorsoul Riding School, says that speeding, alcohol, drugs and distracted driving are the “biggest problems on the road, and they are all things that are in the driver’s or rider’s control.” Erratic lane-changing is another leading cause of accidents. Though it goes without saying that signalling and communicating to others what you’re doing yields a better driving experience for everyone, many people are careless. “Whether you’re a car driver, a motorcycle rider or a pedestrian, you need to take some responsibility and watch out for other people,” Allen says. While the highway is a fast-paced zone, the majority of accidents occur at intersections. Allen says this is where drivers and riders stop paying attention. “Everybody takes the red light as time to have a break. You see pedestrians crossing the road, looking at their phones. Car drivers are checking their email. Riders are putting their bike into neutral, which they should never do. People are thinking, What am I making for dinner? When you see an intersection ahead, you should be paying attention,” says Allen.

In its role as road-safety advocate and community builder, CAA Niagara encourages everyone to share the road with care, patience and responsibility — no matter the vehicle. Don’t adopt that driver versus rider mindset. Your good behaviour can have a life-saving impact. CAA