Aggressive, Careless Driving Linked To Increase In Motorcycle Deaths This Year

Aggressive, Careless Driving Linked To Increase In Motorcycle Deaths

(ORILLIA, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has already responded to four (4) fatal motorcycle collisions this year and is urging riders and other motorists to avoid contributing to a repeat of last year's tragic motorcycle season.

Last year marked one of the worst riding seasons in more than 10 years, with 42 motorcyclists killed on OPP-patrolled roads. There were 27 fatalities in 2019.

OPP collision investigators pointed to excessive speed and failing to yield right-of-way as lead contributing factors in the deaths. Two of this season's motorcycle fatalities are also linked to excessive speed.

"Aggressive and careless driving have no place on our roads, especially where motorcycles are involved. The OPP urges motorcyclists and other drivers to share the road safely and be alert. Motorcyclists are reminded to always ride responsibly, sober and drug-free, and to make themselves visible to other motorists. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Please help make it a safe riding season."

-- Chief Superintendent Rohan THOMPSON, Commander, OPP Highway Safety Division.

QUICK FACTS

In 2020, 37 of the 42 fatal motorcycle crashes investigated by the OPP involved no other vehicles.

Almost half (20) of last year's 42 motorcycle fatalities involved riders aged 55-74 years.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Warmer spring weather signals the start of the motorcycle season where motorcyclists are eager to get back on the roads and trails. At the Motocyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) our long-term goal is to make Canada the safest place to ride a motorcycle.

Everyone plays an important role in motorcycle safety. Even if you do not ride a motorcycle, chances are you know someone that does. That’s why at the MCC we believe motorcycle safety is everyone’s responsibility. Behind the helmet, motorcyclists are mothers, fathers, children, and friends. Please help others think about motorcycles this riding season. Increased visibility and awareness will improve the chance of motorcyclists being seen on the roads and trails this year.

You can make a difference to help improve motorcycle safety

Motorcycle safety is everyone’s responsibility. Help spread the word and encourage others to be aware of motorcycles on the road. Encourage your friends and family to be safe when they are riding, driving, and heading out on the trails. Here are some important ways to help support motorcycle safety:

• Make a plan, share the plan: Before you ride make a plan that includes where you are going and when you expect to return then make sure your family and friends are aware of your plan in case they need to come looking for you. Bring your mobile phone.
• Ride with a buddy: In the event of a crash or breakdown having someone with you to provide assistance could make the difference between life and death.

Safety tips for on-road riders

• Ride sober. Impaired driving kills. Period. As with so many other forms of driving, drugs and alcohol severely impair judgement and reaction time leading to serious injury and death.
• Watch your speed. Speed kills: Yes, motorcycles are fast but that does not give you permission to disregard speed limits or to overlook their responsibility to ride according to traffic, weather conditions or your ability.

Safety tips for motorists

• Be alert: Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than other vehicles you share the road with.
• Check your blind spots: It’s hard enough to see cars and other vehicles when looking in your mirrors, always shoulder check before making a turn or changing lanes.

2019-2020 Safety Campaign We Share the Road. Let’s Share the Responsibility

Drivers play a vital role in motorcycle safety.

We all know that driving requires our full attention. The consequences of distracted driving are potentially deadly for everyone sharing our roads. We ask that all motorists commit to fully participating in driving, and to put away the distractions. We always ask motorcyclists to ride within speed limits and skill level, wear all the gear all the time, and make yourself visible to other road users.

Distracted drivers are a danger to motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users. We developed a series of social media graphics and messages that boldly call out distracted drivers. Each creative graphic plays on a famous movie title, and is paired with a powerful image of a distracted driver closely following a motorcyclist.

Remain aware of what's happening around you... Because you never know what's going

on in the vehicle behind you.

Cars Often Tailgate...and Motorcyclists are the most vulnerable

Distracted Driving Kills . Don't be a victim. And don't look at your cell phone when riding your bike!