Some startling statistics from the OPP for motorcyclists and off-road vehicle riders today an they show even safe motorcyclists are paying a heavy price.
Over the past 10 years there have been 267 motorcycle and 167 off-road vehicle (ORV) rider deaths in collisions investigated by the OPP.
Last year (2015) marked the first year that more than half of the motorcyclists who have died in OPP-investigated collisions were killed through no fault of their own. A total of 27 motorcyclists and four passengers lost their lives last year, with a record 17 of those motorcycle drivers reported as driving properly at the time of the crash that ended their lives.
Meanwhile, various causal factors came into play in these fatal crashes, with loss of control (33), speed (30), failing to yield (28) and driver inattention (26) leading the list over the 10-year period. While these causal factors can be attributed to either the motorcyclist or the drivers of other vehicles involved in the collision, the bottom line is that motorcyclists and other drivers need to do a better job of sharing the road safely.
Also, data revealed that off-roaders in large numbers continue to ride without helmets, with 74 of the 167 deceased riders found wearing no helmet at the time of the crash. The vast majority (154) of those died being ejected from their vehicle.
The OPP remains concerned about the significant number of off-roaders who falsely believe they can survive serious head trauma better than those who are ejected from other types of motorized vehicles.
Among the deceased ORV drivers over the past 10 years, 69 of them were reported as having lost control of their vehicle. The data also revealed that 69 of the fatalities involved a driver who had consumed alcohol before or during their ride. Of the riders who have died, 16 of them were innocent passengers, some of whom were victims who died as a result of irresponsible driving behaviour.
Twenty-five of the dead ORV riders were teenagers and some of the victims were even younger.
“Whether you are travelling by motorcycle, off-road vehicle or any other vehicle over the Victoria Day Long Weekend, the OPP is counting on everyone to drive safely and defensively," said Vince Hawkes, OPP Commissioner. "The motoring public is one of our most valued safety partners and by working together, we can significantly reduce the number of preventable collisions and the resulting loss of life on and off the road.”
On July 1, 2015, the government of Ontario implemented new changes that affect ORV and ATV (all-terrain vehicles) riders. Click here for more info:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/
HELPFUL LINKS
Motorcycle Safety
Motorcycle Safety in the Spring
ORV Safety
