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In 1994, the Ministry of Transportation introduced a graduated licensing system in which young drivers would have to pass a vision test and a written test, followed by two road tests before they would be considered fully licensed in Ontario. The entire process can take at least 20 months to complete for the purpose of allowing the new driver to gain driving experience slowly. The same rules apply for motorcycle licensing in Ontario. However, statistics show that motorcycle accidents tend to be fatal more often than other motor vehicle-related accidents. Should there be a more aggressive licensing system for motorcycle riders in Ontario? Should there be a higher age limit than the current 16 to take the M1 written test and apply to motorcycle training school?
The Standard Protective Gear Of Motorcycle Riders
When you think of the lack of a vehicle shell around the driver of a motorcycle, the thought of an accident is a scary one. The person is unprotected in every way. Sure, there are strict helmet laws and riders must purchase standard helmets from approved stores that are up to a certain code. However, if you were rear-ended on a motorcycle and the only thing that came between your head and the pavement was a standard issue helmet, would it be enough? Are you willing to put your life in the hands of a storeowner who swears that the helmet is up to code? Likewise, there are special leather jackets that riders can only buy in bike shops that have extra padding around the elbows, shoulders and back for protection, but if you are going to hit the pavement at high speeds, is a shoulder pad really going to be beneficial?
The Straight Facts
In Canada, there are more than 500,000 registered motorcycles and mopeds (limited speed motorcycles for which an M class license is not necessary), with more than 150,000 in Ontario alone. In 2005, Ontario’s fatality rate for motorcyclists increased by a shocking 57 per cent. Granted, the number of operators is increasing since owning a motorcycle has grown in popularity, especially among baby boomers (there has been a more than 200 per cent growth in the number of motorcycle fatalities in riders aged 55 to 64 from 1996 to 2001 and 2002 to 2004 according to Transport Canada). One other scary fact is that the absolute most dangerous place on the road for motorcyclists is at an intersection. Middle-aged riders between the ages of 55 and 64 had the highest number of fatal crashes at intersections. Surprisingly, this age group also tended to have blood alcohol levels above the legal limit more often than any other age group, possibly contributing to the high incidents of crashes leading to fatalities.
What Should Motorcyclists Do?
Understandably, riding a motorcycle is a hobby, pastime, activity and/or lifestyle for many and certainly the answer here is not to avoid it altogether. Government statistics show that excessive speed and alcohol remain factors in many crashes causing serious injury and even death. Exercising caution and diligence are the obvious choices to ensuring that each ride is safe and has a happy ending. Motorcyclists must take extra caution, more so than motorists, every time they go out on the road, but that does not mean that they cannot or should not enjoy the ride each and every time. It simply means that they have certain responsibilities and guidelines to follow, just as each motorist has, every time they are out driving on roads and highways. Understanding that there is a great deal of risk involved and not taking it lightly is part of that responsibility.
The Government’s Responsibility
When it comes to the government, every opportunity must be taken to ensure that motorcyclists are prepared to the best of their ability for the challenges that they will face on the road. Riding a motorcycle is not the same as driving a car and should not be treated as such. A 16-year-old does not have quick enough reflexes to be able to handle the power and unsteadiness of a motorcycle. While a car or truck also has a lot of power, it just does not compare to the lack of protection of a motorcycle. The Ontario government needs to take a second (or third or fourth) look at this and re-evaluate the minimum age requirement to be eligible to take an M1 written test. Statistics may show that it is not a particularly big problem for younger age groups right now, but why wait until it is?
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