OPP concerns over the rise in motorcycle-related deaths
Ontario Provincial Police data shows that motorcycle-related fatalities are on the rise over the last ten years.
Ontario Provincial Police data indicate between 2012 and 2021, officers investigated 326 fatal motorcycle incidents that claimed the lives of 342 people police said in a release.
Of those who died, police said 60.7 percent of drivers were at fault in the collision.
“It’s nothing short of shocking to kind of take a look at the bigger picture and see the larger trends was a bit of an eye-opener for us,” said OPP Sergeant Paul Beaton.
“You know we often look at year over year data, but seeing such a large number like that really was kind of a call for action.”
Police said the data is a stark reminder that there can be zero risks and errors on the part of motorcyclists, and that even the safest, most defensive riders, must rely on nearby drivers exercising the same degree of safety in order to avoid causing a deadly crash.
“Motorcycle safety is everybody’s responsibility, and to keep everybody safe, high visibility colours like yellow are good for all riders so they are visible,” said Dan Rocheleau, retired OPP officer and motorcycle instructor.
He said making sure everything works on your bike and that your training is up to date, will also ensure a safe season. In the past few years, he has noticed a dramatic increase in interest in riding. And, that interest has all of his upcoming training courses sold out.
“With the price of gas going up, I think it’s going to increase even higher. In my last class, we had fifteen students and a lot of them weren’t riders at the start,” said Rocheleau.
Rocheleau said in past studies done by the OPP, it was the 16 to 26 age group most affected. But this most recent study shows riders between 45 to 54 years of age accounted for the highest number of deaths.
He said in his experience, that many people are getting back into riding after taking years off, yet another important reason to attend a training course.
With Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month underway, police remind motorcyclists and drivers that sharing the road responsibly, observing posted speed limits, and keeping alcohol, drugs, and distractions off the roads, are vital to reducing the number of collisions, injuries and deaths.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.