Provincial police are expressing deep concern over the number of collisions involving motorcycles in the region.
The Ontario Provincial Police said so far this year, 12 motorcyclists have died in collisions in the West Region, compared to seven deaths over the same period in 2021. Police said the motorcycle operator was at-fault in over 70 per cent of the fatal motorcycle crashes.
“Motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to serious injury or death in a collision than drivers in passenger vehicles or trucks. That’s why it’s so important that motorcyclists make their safety a priority through safe, defensive driving,” said Inspector Shawn Johnson, the traffic and marine manager with West Region OPP.
According to the OPP, the top three contributing factors in fatal motorcycle collisions are loss of control, failure to yield the right of way, and excessive speed.
Provincial police are urging motorcyclists to protect themselves by ensuring that intersections are clear before proceeding, wearing bright protective gear, and enrolling in a Ministry of Transportation-approved motorcycle safety training program.