OPP Releases Sobering At-Fault Data Linked To Motorcycle Fatalities

OPP Releases Sobering At-Fault Data Linked To Motorcycle Fatalities

ORILLIA, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has released data that points to who was at fault in the collisions that cost close to 350 motorcyclists their lives over the past 10 years.

Between 2012 and 2021, the OPP investigated 326 fatal motorcycle incidents that claimed the lives of 342 motorcyclists. Over the 10-year period, the motorcyclists who died were reportedly the at-fault driver in 60.7 per cent of the crashes, with 39.3 per cent of those who were at fault being drivers of other vehicles.

One hundred and twenty (120) of the fatalities were collisions that involved a single motorcycle, with at least one other vehicle being implicated in the other 222 deaths.

The data is a stark reminder that there can be zero risks and errors on the part of motorcyclists and that even the safest, most defensive riders must rely on nearby motorists exercising the same degree of safety in order to avoid causing a deadly crash.

Excessive speed, failing to yield right of way and driver inattention remain lead contributing factors in OPP-investigated motorcycle fatalities every year.

With Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month marking the start of peak riding season, motorcyclists and other drivers need to watch out for each other at all times and be mindful that motorcycle safety is the responsibility of every driver.

The OPP is reminding motorcyclists and drivers that sharing the road responsibly, observing posted speed limits and keeping alcohol, drugs and distractions off our roads are vital to reducing the number of motorcycle collisions, injuries and deaths.

The OPP encourages motorcyclists to follow them on social media throughout the month to view some helpful motorcycle safety videos aimed at both new and experienced riders.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Each May, during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the MMIC takes the opportunity to encourage
safe riding habits among all motorcyclists and safe driving habits among all road users.

10 Tips For Safer Riding

Whether you’re joining the sport for the first time, coming back to riding after an extended time away,
or getting ready to start the spring season, these 10 tips will keep you riding safely all season long:

1) Ease back into riding season by getting comfortable on your motorcycle.
2) Check your bike regularly to ensure tires, controls, lights and fluids are all in good working order.
3) Practice key riding skills like quick swerves, u-turns, emergency braking, figure 8, turning etc.
4) Gear up, every ride, with an approved helmet, as well as a jacket, pants, gloves and boots.
5) Choose hi-visibility, bright-coloured riding gear to be seen.
6) Be aware of the weather and adjust your riding style and riding gear accordingly.
7) Ride defensively by remaining vigilant, staying situationally aware and avoiding threats.
8) Stay at a safe distance from other vehicles so you have the time and space to react if necessary.
9) Stay out of blind spots by riding in front or behind vehicles, rather than to the side of vehicles.
10) Ride in staggered formation on group rides to allow each rider to have a clear view ahead.

Car and truck drivers should also be on the look out for scooters and motorcycles on the roads, by
practicing these safe driving tips all season long:

1) Always check your mirrors and blind spots, especially before turning or changing lanes.
2) Take that second look to better judge the speed and distance of a motorcycle in your vicinity.
3) Allow for extra room to avoid cutting-off a motorcyclist.
4) Allow for extra space when driving behind a motorcyclist.

Remember, the person in that helmet, is someone’s friend, colleague, neighbor or relative – we all have
a shared responsibility to watch out for each other!

Help spread the importance of #MotorcycleSafety by sharing this year’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness
Campaign on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok. CLICK HERE to download social graphics and logos.p Releases At-Fault Data Linked To Motorcycle Fatalities

FYI To Motorcyclists:

Remain aware of what's happening around you... Because you never know what's going on in the vehicle behind you.