At the start of peak riding season for motorcyclists, provincial police have released stark data which shows that there have been more than 300 fatal motorcycle crashes in Ontario in the past ten years.
The Ontario Provincial Police said between 2012 and 2021, officers responded to 326 motorcycle crashes that have claimed the lives of 342 motorcyclists. Of those, 120 were collisions that involved only a single motorcycle.
During the last ten years, motorcyclists were reportedly the at-fault driver in 60.7 per cent of the crashes, while the remaining 39.3 per cent were the fault of drivers of other vehicles.
“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 motorists exercising the same degree of safety in order to avoid causing a deadly crash,” the OPP said. “Motorcyclists and other drivers need to watch out for each other at all times and be mindful that motorcycle safety is the responsibility of every driver.”
The OPP said excessive speed, failing to yield, and driver inattention are the leading factors that lead to motorcycle fatalities every year.