West Region Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are issuing a warning in light of another motorcycle fatal collision that occurred in Essex Ontario on July 11, 2016.
So far this year motorcycle collisions have claimed the lives of 23 drivers and 3 passengers in Ontario.
In 2015 there were 31 fatalities reported as a result of motorcycle collisions.
“We will well exceed the number of 2015 fatalities if this trajectory continues,” stated Traffic and Marine Inspector Lisa Anderson.
OPP Provincial statistics for 2016 year to date show:
– 76% of motorcycle fatalities are caused by either; inattentive vehicle drivers that collide with motorcycles while entering an intersection or making a turn and inexperienced motorcycle drivers who lose control of the motorcycle
– 68% of those killed on OPP patrolled highways so far in 2016 are 45 years of age or older
– 80% of OPP investigated motorcycle fatalities occur on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays and 44% occur from noon to 6pm
– 92% of the motorcycle fatalities occur during clear weather and dry road conditions
– 48% of the number of motorcycle fatalities that occur on OPP patrolled highways occur in West Region
The OPP continues to urge all drivers to be aware of their surroundings and always check for motorcycles before changing lanes, turning or entering into intersections. This simple step will drastically reduce the number of motorcycle collisions, injuries and fatalities.
“Get in the habit of looking for motorcycles when you are driving. Quite often we look for other cars and trucks and get surprised by motorcycles. We need to change our way of thinking and look for motorcycles first. If we specifically look for motorcycles, we will also see the other larger vehicles as well,” Anderson stated.
“Motorcycle drivers are also reminded to ensure they have adequate training and experience before they start riding. It is obvious from our year to date statistics that the overwhelming majority of our motorcycle fatalities involve older adults who are recreational weekend drivers. We need to get the message out to all recreational riders to drive defensively at all times and, as equally important, is new riders and those getting back onto the bike after many years are strongly encouraged to take a motorcycle training course before venturing onto the roadway.”
Anderson added: “We all lead busy lives but please slow down and always take a second look. Those few extra seconds could save a life. A moment of inattention can cause a lifetime of regret.”
Traffic safety is a shared responsibility. Share the road. Drive attentive, sober and always take the time to take a second look.
