According to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), 2016 could be the deadliest year for motorcyclists in the last five years.
Statistics show that 25 people have died in motorcycle accidents in the province since July 11. That is just six less than the total number of motorcycle accident deaths last year. If the current trend continues, OPP expects that 2016 could “far exceed” that number.
In the last five years, 164 motorcycle drivers and passengers have died in collisions throughout Ontario. The yearly breakdown is as follows:
- 2011: 21 deaths
- 2012: 27 deaths
- 2013: 28 deaths
- 2014: 32 deaths
- 2015: 31 deaths
- 2016: 25 deaths
Statistics also indicate that the majority of motorcycle accident deaths were caused by inattentive motorists or inexperienced motorcyclists who lost control of their bikes.
Recent Deadly Accidents
OPP released the numbers following two recent fatal motorcycle accidents in Essex County. On June 25, a motorcycle rider and passenger were killed at the intersection of County Road 26 and Rochester Townline Road after a minivan ran through a stop sign. On July 11, a motorcyclist was killed after being pinned under a transport truck on Malden Road near South Talbot.
Since the numbers have been released, two additional motorcyclists are clinging to life after two separate collisions on Friday, July 15.
The first accident occurred on Ojibway Parkway at 7 a.m. According to police, the motorcyclist was driving west when he changed lanes and may have made contact with the back of a truck, causing him to veer off the road and collide with an unidentified fixed object.
The second accident occurred at 9 p.m. on Tecumseh Road East near Enterprise Way. The motorcyclist was traveling west when he collided with the side of an SUV. Witnesses have reported that the motorcyclist was traveling at a high rate of speed just before the accident.
Both motorcyclists suffered critical injuries and were transported to Windsor Regional Hospital’s Ouellette Campus. Both underwent surgery and remain in the intensive care unit.
A motorcycle accident is a life-changing incident that can result in serious injuries and often death. Our experienced team of motorcycle accident lawyers can help you fight for justice and compensation if you have been injured or lost a loved one due to another driver’s negligent actions.
Call (866) 320-4770 today for a free, no obligation consultation.