The Ontario Provincial Police are concerned that motorcycle deaths this year are headed for a seven-year high.
There have been 26 motorcycle fatalities on Ontario roads so far this year.
"Other than a careless few that we come across during our enforcement operations, the OPP believes that Ontario motorcyclists in general recognize that they are a vulnerable road user and demonstrate safe, defensive driving,” said OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair in a new release. “We are relying on motorcyclists and the motoring public to work with us and join in our efforts to keep motorcycling safe. The solution is simple: ride and drive within the law.”
OPP say there have been 175 motorcycle deaths on Ontario roads between 2008 and August 18 of this year.
They say speed has been a contributing factor, either on the part of the motorcyclist or another driver, in 43 of those deaths, loss of control a factor in 29 deaths, alcohol a factor in 21 deaths, failing to yield a factor in 20 deaths, and inattention a factor in 18 deaths.
The OPP are reminding all drivers they have a responsibility to share the road and be aware that motorcycles could be there, especially in blind spots.
