A sharp increase in motorcyclist fatalities in recent weeks has the OPP urging motorcyclists and motorists to be alert and avoid all manner of risky driving when sharing the road.
Thirty-six motorcyclists have died on OPP-patrolled roads so far this year, compared to 23 at this time last year. In over half of the deaths, the driver action that led to the collision was on the part of the motorcyclist.
Twelve of the year's fatalities occurred in July, with five more motorcyclist deaths occurring during the first week of August. "Excessive speed, loss of control, and improper passing are among the driver actions behind the crashes," says an OPP release.
Reports show that there were 8,475 motorbike accidents reported across the country in 2023. This represents an approximately 9 per cent increase compared to the motorcycle collisions reported in the previous year. Eleven per cent of these traffic accidents resulted in fatalities according to the Derek Wilson Law Firm.
"In Ontario, motorcycle accidents are still a cause of traffic safety concern. A total of 3,876 motorcycle accidents were reported in 2023 – a 6 per cent increase from the crashes reported in 2022. This accounts for about 17 per cent of all motor vehicle accidents recorded in the province in the same year. Unfortunately, 8.7 per cent of these crashes resulted in fatalities."
Fatal collisions, or ones resulting in serious injuries, are not solely the responsibility of the motorcycle riders. In many cases, the drivers of cars or trucks are at fault say O{{.
The primary causes of motorcycle collisions have included excessive speed, failing to yield the right of way/unsafe passing or riders losing control of their motorcycles. Most happen on the highway and not at intersections.
"Everyone wants to get to their destination safely, but everyone operating a vehicle on roads and highways, whether it has two wheels or more, must take responsibility for their driving behavior." explains Superintendent Darryl Sigouin, OPP East Region Headquarters
"Safe, attentive driving on the part of motorists is all it takes to prevent the senseless loss of life on roadways. Motorcyclists must also do their part to stay safe by driving within the speed limit and complying with all traffic laws which go a long way toward keeping riders and their passengers safe.," says the OPP.
