Heightened enforcement in Ontario amid increased motorcycle fatalities

Ontario Provincial Police are taking enforcement to the sky with aerial surveillance aimed at curbing a staggering increase in motorcycle fatalities, which are nearing a 10-year high.

There has been a 56 per cent increase in fatal crashes involving motorcycles, OPP said in a news release Friday.

"More motorcycle collisions again this week brings this year's fatalities to 39, setting the stage for a possible 10-year high in motorcyclist deaths on OPP-patrolled roads," police said.

"Three motorcyclists under the age of 19 and two passengers are among the riders who have lost their lives this year."

"Almost all" of the fatalities were preventable, police said, and enforcement efforts are being expanded to include Cessna 206 airplanes.

The planes are being used by officers to spot and track speeders and aggressive drivers.

"The Cessna 206 is an effective tool for spotting and tracking motorcyclists (and other drivers) who think travelling at high speeds is worth the risk, be it for the thrill or as a means of evading police officers who spot them from the ground," police said.

"The (aerial enforcement program) airplane is also effective for detecting other aggressive drivers such as those who follow too closely or make unsafe lane changes, which are among the behaviours attributed to fatalities every year."

Aerial surveillance is done by an OPP pilot and police observer with specialized equipment used to calculate the distance a vehicle travels between highway markings to determine a driver's speed.

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"The OPP reminds riders as well as motorists who share roadways with them that motorcyclists are the most vulnerable drivers on our roads - even when they drive safely," police said.

"The OPP is counting on all motorcyclists and drivers to do their part to prevent further loss of life on our roads. All it takes is safe, responsible driving and complying with traffic laws, which are designed to keep the motoring public safe."