Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning motorists to keep their eyes open and on the road after a particularly deadly summer.
Officers have responded to 14 fatal motor vehicle collisions this summer, five of which involved motorcyclists. That is the same total number of traffic fatalities reported in all of 2016 – and there are still four months left in the year.
A Call for Safety
In a statement released Thursday, OPP detachment commander Glenn Miller has called on all drivers to take extra time to ensure their path is clear of motorcycles. He notes that although it can be difficult to spot motorcycles at times, all motorists have a responsibility to keep them safe.
Some safety tips for preventing motorcycle accidents include:
- Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Do not drive aggressively
- Never drive while distracted, including using a cellphone, which is illegal in Ontario
- Always check your blind spots before turning or changing lanes
- Make sure an intersection is clear before continuing through
Motorcyclists can also take precautions to protect themselves:
- Wear the right gear, including a helmet and protective clothing
- Wear clothing and gear that make you visible
- Ride in the section of your lane that makes you most visible
- Be alert and avoid driving while distracted or under the influence
- Avoid riding in bad weather
- Take extra precaution at intersections
Of the five motorcycle accidents that occurred this summer, most happened at intersections, which are one of the most dangerous places for motorcycles.
The most recent accident occurred on Aug. 13 at the intersection of Essex County Roads 19 and 46. Both the motorcycle rider and passenger were killed in the collision.
Windsor Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Having seen the devastation that can result from a motorcycle accident, our motorcycle accident lawyers are deeply concerned by the rise in the number of collisions this year. For this reason, we remain committed to helping injury victims and their families fight for the compensation they deserve after an accident caused by another’s negligence.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, do not hesitate to contact Greg Monforton & Partners today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to review your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other expenses associated with your accident and injuries.
Our legal team works only on a contingency fee basis, so you will owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (866) 320-4770 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form today.