This year, the number of motorcycle accidents in Essex County resulting in deaths is unacceptable. Of all of the fatalities this summer, all were the fault of the motorist and not the motorcyclists. People in cars should be more attentive of riders.
The most dangerous area for motorcyclists is at intersections. When a car and motorcycle collide at an intersection the car driver is at fault 80 per cent of the time.
Typically, a car causes the crash by turning or pulling out in front of the motorcycle, and the driver almost always claims he or she didn't see the motorcycle.
Motorists need to be more aware of their surroundings and watch out for motorcyclists year-round.
For the remainder of the riding season, we'd ask motorists and other highway users to look for us.
This is peak riding season and motorists need to be reminded that the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the same privileges of any other vehicle on the streets and provincial highways.
In view of the fact that the economic factors give preference to riding a motorcycle, the number of bikes on the road today has increased tenfold and motorists need to be more cautious of their existence.
MIKE BECHARD, LaSalle
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