Toronto is a busy city where cars, bikes, buses, and motorcycles all share the road. For this reason, even the smallest mistakes can lead to devastating consequences. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable. Unlike those in cars, riders don’t have the protection of a steel frame, airbags, or seatbelts. One wrong move by someone behind the wheel can result in a serious injury or even death.
Motorcycle accidents in Toronto often follow a familiar pattern: a driver doesn’t see the bike, doesn’t give enough space, or misjudges the rider’s speed. These accidents aren't rare, and many could be prevented. Here are five ways drivers can help keep motorcyclists safe and reduce the number of deadly collisions on Toronto roads.
1. Checking blind spots
Motorcycles are small and quick. They can easily slip into a vehicle’s blind spot, especially in heavy traffic or when weaving through slow-moving lanes. Many drivers think they’ve checked their mirrors thoroughly, but a quick shoulder glance is often the only way to spot a motorcycle riding just out of view.
Larger vehicles such as SUVs and vans have even bigger blind spots, and in fast-paced environments such as the 401 or DVP, there’s even less time to react. A motorcycle hidden beside a vehicle can be missed in a split second, especially if the driver is distracted, tired, or in a rush. A simple shoulder check before changing lanes or merging could prevent a tragedy.
2. Signaling when changing lanes or turning
Everyone knows that turn signals are supposed to be used, but not everyone uses them properly or early enough. Even a slight delay can be dangerous. For a motorcyclist following or riding alongside, a sudden swerve or lane change without a signal can create a life-or-death scenario.
Motorcyclists need time to adjust when a vehicle changes direction. On busy Toronto streets, advance notice is everything. Signaling before making a move gives nearby riders the information they need to stay safe.
3. Keeping a safe following distance
Tailgating is dangerous no matter who’s in front, but it’s particularly risky when the vehicle ahead is a motorcycle. Unlike cars, motorcycles can stop much faster and may swerve unexpectedly to avoid potholes, debris, and other road hazards. When there’s not enough space between a car and a motorcycle, the margin for error disappears.
Safe following distance should be at least three to four seconds, and more in rain, snow, or low visibility. On the QEW or Allen Road, higher speeds mean longer stopping distances, which makes extra space even more important. Even in the city, giving motorcyclists a buffer helps prevent close calls and reduces the chance of rear-end collisions.
4. Looking before turning
Left turns at intersections are one of the most common causes of fatal motorcycle crashes. It often happens when a driver thinks the coast is clear, starts the turn, and a motorcycle slams into the vehicle. Or worse, the rider can be thrown across the pavement.
The problem is speed perception. Motorcycles look smaller than other vehicles, so they can appear to be farther away or moving slower than they actually are. That misjudgment can be deadly, especially during a quick decision in a busy intersection. It’s worth the extra second to take a second look before turning.
5. Watching for riders before opening a door
Dozens of people are injured each year in dooring incidents, many of them in downtown Toronto. While most think of bicyclists, motorcyclists are just as vulnerable. A sudden door popping open on Bloor or College Street can cause a rider to swerve into traffic or hit the door head-on at speed.
Ontario law holds drivers accountable for opening doors without checking for oncoming traffic. The Dutch Reach is one easy habit that can help. Instead of using the hand closest to the door, reaching across with the far hand forces the body to turn and look, which makes it easier to spot motorcycles before it’s too late.
Motorcycle crashes don’t just happen
Toronto’s Vision Zero plan has focused attention on the safety of vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists. With new traffic-calming measures, reduced speed limits, and better enforcement, the city is working to reduce road deaths. But policy only goes so far. Preventing motorcycle accidents often comes down to small choices made behind the wheel.
Drivers who check their blind spots carefully, signal early, leave extra space, double-check intersections, and stay alert while exiting their vehicles are doing more than following the rules. They’re helping save lives. That's possibly someone’s friend, parent, or child.
Motorcyclists ride with the understanding that they’re exposed, often unseen, and vulnerable. When those sharing the road make safe, responsible choices, everyone has a better chance of getting home safely.
Real results for injured motorcyclists
At Smitiuch Injury Law, we don’t just talk about holding negligent drivers accountable — we deliver results. In Pye v. Di Trapani et al., our team secured a jury verdict of $1,018,865.90 for a motorcyclist who was struck by a vehicle that ran a stop sign in Hamilton. The collision occurred on our client’s birthday and left him with serious orthopaedic injuries. The insurance company offered $500,000 before trial, but the jury more than doubled that amount.
After the trial, a judge ordered the defendant to pay an additional $1.1 million in costs, disbursements, and interest, bringing the total to over $2.2 million. This outcome not only recognized the true impact of our client’s injuries but also sent a clear message about accountability on Ontario roads.
If a negligent driver changed your life, our trial-tested motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to fight for every dollar you deserve.
Get strong legal representation on your side after a motorcycle crash in Toronto
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Toronto or the surrounding area, the road to recovery is filled with physical pain, financial pressure, and a complicated legal claim. If you go it alone, you could be at a disadvantage. That's why Smitiuch Injury Law is here to help riders take back control. We’ve earned a reputation for results by holding negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable.
Our Toronto motorcycle accident lawyers know what it takes to build a winning case. We dig deep, gathering the evidence that proves fault and accurately reflects the full impact of your injuries. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
The sooner you get legal representation, the stronger your case can be. Our team will handle the paperwork, the calls, and the negotiations, so you can focus on healing.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let us fight for your rights, your recovery, and your peace of mind.
“I can't put into words the amount of help that I received from Smitiuch Injury Law. They are very professional and caring, and helped me recover from a fatal road accident by providing all the support I needed. I am glad to have Smitiuch Injury Law represent my case. I want to especially thank Shawn Snider & Paula Saracino from the Toronto office.” — V.R., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
