Whether you’re a pedestrian, driver, cyclist or motorcyclist, it’s important to practice good driving and awareness while sharing the roads.
This year motorcycle fatalities are headed towards a seven-year high with 26 deaths and about two more months left in the season, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
“Other than a careless few that we come across during our enforcement operations, the OPP believes that Ontario motorcyclists in general recognize that they are a vulnerable road user and demonstrate safe, defensive driving,” said Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, Provincial Commander, Traffic Safety and Operational Support, in a press release.
“We are relying on motorcyclists and the motoring public to work with us and join in our efforts to keep motorcycling safe. The solution is simple: ride and drive within the law.”
Between 2008 to 2014, there have been 175 motorcycle fatalities with 168 victims being the driver and seven victims were passengers.
Some of the most common factors contributing to an accident were: speed (a factor in 43 deaths), loss of control (a factor in 29 deaths) and alcohol (a factor in 21 deaths). Other reasons for an accident include failing to yield (a factor in 20 deaths) and inattention (a factor in 18 deaths).
In the beginning of August, a 28-year-old Torontonian lost control of his Suzuki RBT motorcycle when he was driving along Hwy. 404. As he drove northbound to the 407 eastbound ramp, his loss of control led to the driver being ejected and he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Toronto Star.
During that same weekend, an off-duty Niagara Regional police officer died in a head-on collision with a car on his way home to Welland. The OPP investigated the incident on Hwy. 406, which in the section where the crash occurred, there’s no division between the northbound and southbound lanes, according to the Toronto Star.
While it is more dangerous to ride on wet roads, 158 of the fatal motorcycle accidents happened on dry roads. Also, you might think younger drivers would account for more accidents, but only 16 of the deaths within the last 6.5 years were under the age of 25, 48 of the deaths were people between the age of 45 to 54 and 39 of the deaths were people between the age of 55 to 64.
Motorcyclists have a greater risk in being involved in a collision since there’s no covering to protect them in event of an incident and they are harder to see on the roads. It’s important motorcyclists remain alert and aware while operating their vehicles.
But it’s important for both motorcyclists and drivers to operate their vehicles safely and follow the rules. In 50 out of 175 of the motorcycle fatalities, the motorcyclist was driving properly. Riders need to wear clothing that’s easily seen by drivers and properly position themselves for them to be seen by motorists. Drivers need to be on the lookout for motorcyclists and check their blind spots before lane changes.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the personal injury lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help fight your case. Our trusted legal team is experienced in handling tort claims and helping victims receive the accident and disability benefits that they are entitled to. Set up a consultation by calling our Toronto office at 416-920-4242.