A surge in motorcycle fatalities in Nova Scotia this year has triggered urgent appeals for action by safety advocates. The province has witnessed sixteen motorcyclists losing their lives in accidents, marking the highest fatality toll in the past ten years. The victims include a young hockey prodigy, a recent retiree, and a couple who maintained their love over four decades of marriage.
Marlene Roach, the founder of the Bikers Down Society, is calling for immediate intervention, emphasizing the escalating severity of the situation. She stresses the need for the government to enforce mandatory training programs for all aspiring motorcyclists before obtaining their licenses. Roach also advocates for restrictions on the types of motorcycles younger riders can operate, citing the disproportionate risks they face in accidents.
Roach urges all road users to be vigilant and considerate of motorcyclists, especially during left turns at intersections. Highlighting the vulnerability of motorcyclists in road accidents, she emphasizes the importance of increased awareness and caution from all drivers. Corey Ford, a collision reconstructionist with the Nova Scotia RCMP, echoes these sentiments, attributing most motorcycle fatalities to preventable causes such as distracted driving, aggression, and failure to use safety equipment like helmets.
Ford emphasizes the significance of mastering emergency braking techniques and acknowledges that while aiming for zero fatalities is ideal, it may not be entirely achievable. He underscores individual responsibility in ensuring road safety and urges drivers to remain proactive and attentive while sharing the road with all types of vehicles.
