Vigilance urged as motorcycle season kicks off in Southwestern Ontario

Provincial police are asking motorcyclists and other drivers to both do their part to keep the roads safe as motorcycle season kicks off in Southwestern Ontario.

Published May 04, 2024 • 2 minute read

(Free Press file photo)

Provincial police are asking motorcyclists and other drivers to both do their part to keep the roads safe as motorcycle season kicks off in Southwestern Ontario.

A total of 370 motorcyclists have been killed on OPP-patrolled roads in the past decade, with speeding, failing to yield, inattention and losing control listed as factors in more than half of those fatal crashes, police said.

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Alcohol and drugs were a factor in nearly one-fifth of the deadly crashes, police said.

OPP statistics show motorcyclists were to blame in less than half of the crashes, at 46 per cent, while the other driver was to blame in 54 per cent of the collisions. One-third of those fatal crashes happened in intersections and more than one-third happened on highways.

“Our data makes it clear that the majority of motorcyclist fatalities are preventable,” OPP deputy commissioner Rohan Thompson, the commander of the traffic safety division, said in a statement Wednesday.

“Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable when they, and the drivers around them, engage in any form of risky action or behaviour. Let’s work together to make it a safe motorcycle season.”

Sandwiched between Lake Huron and Lake Erie, Southwestern Ontario is full of beach towns and becomes a popular destination for motorcycle riders in the spring and summer, especially on weekends.

There were two motorcycle fatalities in the OPP’s west region, an area that encompasses Southwestern Ontario, last year, down significantly from 19 in 2022.

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The OPP has partnered with Moto Canada – a non-profit that promotes the safe and responsible use and sale of motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles – to promote motorcycle awareness month in May.

“Our collective focus remains to safeguard the well-being and security of riders throughout the entirety of the riding season. We are excited about our alignment with the OPP, as we join forces in our mutual dedication to advancing motorcycle safety,” Moto Canada chief executive Landon French said in a statement.

Motorcyclists should make themselves visible, wear protective gear, ride sober and within the speed limit and make safe decisions. Other motorists should keep a watchful eye out for motorcycles.

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