July 12, 2016
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(LONDON, ON) – The West Region OPP is issuing a warning in light of another motorcycle fatal collision that occurred in Essex Ontario, Monday, July 11.
So far this year, motorcycle collisions have claimed the lives of 23 drivers and three passengers in Ontario. In 2015, there were 31 fatalities reported as a result of motorcycle collisions.
“We will well exceed the number of 2015 fatalities if this trajectory continues," says Lisa Anderson, traffic and marine inspector.
OPP provincial statistics for 2016 year-to-date show:
76 per cent of motorcycle fatalities are caused by either inattentive vehicle drivers who collide with motorcycles while entering an intersection or making a turn, or inexperienced motorcycle drivers who lose control of the motorcycle
68 per cent of those killed on OPP-patrolled highways are 45 years of age or older
80 per cent of OPP-investigated motorcycle fatalities occur on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, and 44 per cent occur from noon to 6 p.m.
92 per cent of the motorcycle fatalities occur during clear weather and dry road conditions
48 per cent of the number of motorcycle fatalities that occur on OPP-patrolled highways occur in West Region
The OPP continues to urge all drivers to be aware of their surroundings and always check for motorcycles before changing lanes, turning or entering intersections. This simple step will drastically reduce the number of motorcycle collisions, injuries and fatalities.
“Get in the habit of looking for motorcycles when you are driving. says Anderson. "Quite often, we look for other cars and trucks and get surprised by motorcycles. We need to change our way of thinking and look for motorcycles first. If we specifically look for motorcycles, we will see the other larger vehicles as well.
Motorcycle drivers are also reminded to ensure they have adequate training and experience before they start riding. It is obvious from the year-to-date statistics that the overwhelming majority of motorcycle fatalities involve older adults who are recreational weekend drivers.
It's important to get the message out to all recreational riders to drive defensively at all times and, equally important, new riders and those getting back onto the bike after many years, are strongly encouraged to take a motorcycle training course before venturing onto the roadway.
“We all lead busy lives but please slow down and always take a second look," says Anderson. "Those few extra seconds could save a life. A moment of inattention can cause a lifetime of regret.”
Traffic safety is a shared responsibility. Share the road. Drive attentive, sober and always take the time to take a second look.
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