Bicycles are classified as vehicles and riders have the same rights and responsibilities as all other drivers on the road. They are obligated to use hand signals, have appropriate lighting, have working bells, and obey the rules of the road.
Time and again, news sources report on cases of cyclists being hurt and injured as a result of traffic accidents. Both parties, cyclists and drivers, have a responsibility to share the road, follow the Highway Traffic Act, and they must recognize and respect one another.
As a Cyclist
· Cyclists who travel at a lower speed than other traffic should ride about one metre from the curb or other parked cars, or as practical to the right-hand edge of the road as possible where there is no curb.
· These cyclists are permitted to use any part of the lane if necessary to avoid obstacles, cross railway tracks at a 90-degree angle, or to discourage passing where the lane is too narrow to be safely shared.
· Cyclists who travel at or faster than the normal speed of traffic are not required to ride close to the right edge of the road; these cyclists may occupy the lane like any other vehicle.
· Cyclists intending to make a left turn are also permitted to leave the right edge of the road.
· Intersections can be particularly dangerous for cyclists. Cyclists should use extreme caution when approaching intersections and should carefully scan the environment.
As a Driver
· Drivers have a responsibility to use caution around cyclists.
· Drivers should try to give at least one metre of room between their vehicle and the cyclist who they are passing; drivers should change lanes to pass a cyclist whenever practical.
· Drivers should slow their speed if possible and refrain from using a horn unless absolutely necessary as to do so may otherwise scare the cyclist and cause him to lose control.
· If a driver is waiting to pass a cyclist, he should not follow the cyclist too closely as the cyclist may have to suddenly stop or slow.
· Drivers should use caution and actively look for cyclists at intersections. In particular, drivers turning right should look to their side-mirrors for rear-approaching cyclists.
· Drivers should afford particular care and attention to young cyclists; kids often will not have the experience or awareness that adult cyclists would otherwise be expected to have. Kids may react to vehicles in unexpected ways and may have less care and control of their bicycles.
As with any motor vehicle accident, drivers must stop in the event of an accident involving a cyclist. In the field of personal injury law, we represent a tragic number of clients who are involved in hit-and-run accidents while cycling. Fleeing a scene is never an option.
Diving is the leading sports-related
cause of spinal cord injuries. Most in-ground backyard
and hotel pools are unsafe for diving. A “deep end” that is
too shallow or short to prevent people from striking their heads on
the bottom of the pool is unsuitable for diving. The
Lifesaving Society’s Standard for a minimum safe water depth for
diving entries off the side of a pool is 2.5 meters (over 8 feet).
Water tubing can be a lot of fun for
children and adults alike, but the fun stops quickly when someone
gets hurt. Remember to always wear a PFD, have a spotter, use a
secure tow line, avoid using multiple tubes, and most importantly,
drive responsibly. The driver should always be alert, sober, and
have a solid grasp of boating rules and regulations.
Operating a boat while intoxicated by alcohol is illegal throughout Canada, and carries the same penalties as drinking and driving a car.
Did you know that all power boat operators in Canada must now carry with them proof of competency regarding boating safety (usually a Pleasure Craft Operator Card issued by Transport Canada)? In order to obtain a card, the operator must pass an accredited boating safety test, usually done on-line. Failure to carry proof of competency could result in a minimum fine of $250, so next time you head out on the water, make sure you bring your Pleasure Craft Operator Card!
