Carefree days

As I sit down to write this, I don’t know the names of the victims of the horrendous collision on Highway 33 this past Saturday. The collision of a car with a group of motorcyclists. What follows isn’t a finger-pointing or blame-placing article. I don’t know the details of the accident. I do know lives were lost and lives are, currently, in danger. None of the people involved in that devastating incident deserved what happened. Welcome to summertime on the highways and byways of the County and, indeed, the country. Carefree days. Careless days.

It is that time of year, kiddies. Time to be vigilant. We’ve had another long, cold winter and we’re are anxious to get out and enjoy the sunshine and the breezes off the lake. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys a good, old-fashioned road trip—a bit of here and there—then this is for you. Whether you’re in a four-wheeled vehicle or on a bike, as enticing as it may be to let it all hang out, the road isn’t the place to be freewheeling and acting all devil-may-care. While we have had many, many awareness campaigns, as regards sharing the roads with motorcyclists, we need to be on our toes at all times when we’re behind the wheel or gripping the handlebars. Indeed, we need to be especially vigilant when we’ve only got those handlebars and a helmet between ourselves and the gravel or a bumper. It only takes one second. It only takes one tiny distraction. It only takes one quick decision made without looking twice. It only takes one Beach Boys’ summer song, the song that makes you close your eyes, belt out the words and rev that engine. One text message beeping. One cellphone call notification. One reach to change the radio station. One tiny moment of careless and the carefree is over.

Motorcyclists are the most vulnerable drivers on the roads because they just aren’t as visible. On a bright, sunny day it’s easy enough to mistake those oncoming headlights as a bit of harmless reflective glare. Drivers must take extra care to make sure there isn’t a vehicle heading their way as they pull out to pass. They need to make sure they’ve checked the blind spot—twice—before they change lanes. All motorists need to use their signals well in advance of a directional change. And, hey, maybe it’s cool to wear black on a motorcycle, but it’s more important to been seen by other motorists. Consider wearing something bright. Always wear safety gear—maybe bright safety gear—and don’t ride in those blind spots. Everyone needs to obey the speed limit. I couldn’t have imagined a motorcyclist being distracted while riding, but I have seen riders using their cellphones, especially in slower, city traffic. Distracted is distracted.

Other drivers have to allow a motorcyclist a full lane. Sharing the road is good. Sharing the lane is stupid. Always check your mirrors twice. Always assume there could be someone in your blind spot. No, you don’t get extra points for tailgating a motorcycle. You don’t get extra points for not leaving yourself enough space to get back into your lane if there is oncoming traffic when you try to pass. Allow more following distance between your vehicle and the motorcycle so the cyclist has enough time to stop in an emergency. Distracted driving is always a no-win. Thinking an accident couldn’t possibly happen to you is a no-win.

Save the carefree, the tired, the drinking, the distractions and the chilling for the beach or patio. The roadway is serious business.

R.I.P. Darren Philip Williams, 46, of Quinte West, and Edgar Wayne Boone, 58, of Ottawa.

theresa@wellingtontimes.ca