Curbing last year's spike in motorcyclist fatalities on OPP-patrolled roads is as simple as riders and drivers maintaining safe space and driving habits around each other at all times, says a news release.
"Last year marked a particularly tragic riding season and the highest number of motorcyclist deaths since 2017, with 44 riders losing their lives in collisions," it states.
Failing to yield the right of way, excessive speed, and inattentive driving are among the leading contributing factors in OPP-investigated motorcyclist fatalities over the past 10 years.
"The data speaks to poor and careless behaviours on the part of riders and other drivers, with motorcyclists at fault in 61 per cent of the fatalities, and drivers of other vehicles at fault in 39 per cent of the deaths," says the release.
With Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month underway in May, the OPP is reminding motorcyclists and other motorists to be responsible, defensive, attentive, and alcohol/drug-free drivers throughout the riding season.
Motorcyclists should wear bright, protective equipment and clothing to increase their visibility to other motorists.
Even the smallest momentary lapse in a motor vehicle driver's awareness can result in the death of an unseen motorcyclist.
Riders between 45-64 years of age account for 51 per cent of the motorcyclist fatalities in the past 10 years and 38 per cent of OPP-investigated motorcyclist fatalities have occurred on provincial highways.
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