After a deadly start to the motorcycle season, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is bracing for another deadly year and warning motorcyclists to ride safely.
According to police, four motorcyclists have died on OPP-patrolled roads since April. The leading causes of these accidents have been speed, distracted driving and driver error.
The most recent deaths included a motorcyclist who died on Monday from injuries sustained in an accident two weeks ago. The motorcyclist collided with a pickup truck on Wonderland Road North. Over the weekend, a London woman died after a head-on collision with a car just south of Brantford.
As we head into the Victoria Day long weekend, OPP has also released startling statistics about motorcycle and off-roading vehicle deaths from the last ten years. Police investigated 267 motorcycle and 167 off-road vehicle accident deaths during the last decade.
The data also shows that off-road drivers are continuing to ride without helmets: 74 of the 167 fatalities were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
Motorcycle Safety
OPP is concerned about the rate of deaths already this season. Police are reminding riders that driving a motorcycle requires 100 per cent of your attention at all times. The more cars that are on the roads, the greater risk motorcycle riders face. It is up to the rider to be a defensive driver and do everything they can to protect themselves and make sure they are seen.
Some of the things motorcyclists can do to greater protect themselves on the roads include:
- Always wear protective clothing and equipment with reflective gear
- Always wear a helmet
- Do not drive while distracted
- Leave plenty of space between the motorcycle and other motorists
- Practice defensive driving by always remaining on the lookout and anticipating what other drivers will do
- Do not drink and drive
- Always follow traffic rules
Because motorcycles offer less protection than more traditional vehicles, riders will likely suffer life-threatening injuries if they are involved in an accident, regardless if it was their fault or not.
Riders can expect that OPP will have extra patrols out throughout the long weekend to enforce driving laws and to make the roads as safe as possible.
The motorcycle accident lawyers at Greg Monforton & Partners are familiar with the devastation that often results from these types of accidents. That is why we are committed to fighting for the rights of those who have been injured because of another’s negligence.
To learn more about how we can help you, call (866) 320-4770 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.