Motorcycle Deaths on Track for Record High in Ontario

August 01, 2022, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Riding motorcycles is a popular activity in Ontario with nearly 750,000 riders on the roads in 2014 (latest numbers). It is a fun but dangerous activity. Riders must be vigilant at all times for cars, trucks and road hazards. Sadly, regardless of whose fault an accident involving a motorcycle is, it is almost always the motorcyclist that suffers the greatest injuries in any accident.

The OPP is now warning all drivers and riders that in an analysis of the data for the last 10 years involving 350 deaths, motorcycle riders were responsible for 60% of fatal crashes. 120 of the deaths were single motorcycle collisions. CityNews.ca reports the following:

“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,” OPP officials said.

“Excessive speed, failing to yield right of way, and driver inattention remains contributing factors in OPP-investigated motorcycle fatalities every year.”

Additional data revealed that riders between 45-54 accounted for the highest number of motorcycle deaths on OPP-patrolled roads in the last ten years. There were 34 fatal motorcycle incidents in 2021, and 35 people died.

“With Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month marking the start of peak riding season, 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.

If you are driving on the roads, please look out for all other vehicles including motorcycles. They can be hard to see and can track of. If you are out riding your motorcycle, then remain vigilant at all times. Avoid risky riding (lane splitting, following too closely, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic), slow down, and always ride sober. If you are riding in rural or northern Ontario, be very aware of deer moose and other large mammals on the roads.

If you are seriously injured while riding your motorcycle contact one of our experienced personal injury lawyers at Deutschmann Personal Injury and Disability Law today. You don’t have to face your situation alone 1.866.414.4878 for your free initial consultation.

Consider using the best practices recommended by the Halton Police.

Motorcycle Deaths on Track for A Record High in Ontario

There are a number of steps you should take to stay safe as a motorcyclist.

Take a safety course

A safety course will teach you the rules of the road for motorcycles. You will also learn the appropriate actions to take in unpredictable riding situations that can arise. Driving a motorcycle requires skill and good judgment and a safety course can help you practice these. Consider an advanced riding course to learn collision avoidance maneuvers, advanced turning, control tips and braking techniques.

Gear up

No matter how hot it is outside, shorts, a T-shirt and sandals are not proper riding attire. You can go for extreme protection with leathers or reinforced jackets, pants and boots.

Glasses or goggles are a must if you have an open-faced helmet and to protect your hands, you should always wear gloves. In warm weather there is specially designed gear that is intended for ventilation and cooling. And, it should go without saying, never ride without a DOT-approved helmet.

Inspect your ride

Make sure your motorcycle is in proper working order every time you go for a ride. This includes checking tire pressure, mirrors and lights. Taking a quick walk around your bike will give you an idea if there are any loose bolts, leaks or other potential mechanical hazards. Be diligent about regular care and maintenance.

Stay in the comfort zone

Know your abilities and make sure that neither your chosen route nor motorcycle is more than you can handle. Never ride beyond your skill level.

Use your head

Don’t rely solely on your mirrors to remain aware of what’s in your immediate riding space. It’s important to keep your head and eyes up while rounding corners and that the safest way to change lanes is to actually turn and look over your shoulder to make sure you are clear. You will also be able to get a feeling for whether other drivers are paying attention to you.

Watch the road

Pay attention to the road you are riding on. Err on the side of caution when going into curves; be vigilant for potential gravel or other unstable road conditions. Be careful when crossing rail road tracks because the paint can be slippery—the same goes for the white lines at stoplights.

No safety in numbers

Group rides can be risky due to riders covering too much of the roadway, riders driving side-by-side, and having a mix of riders of various skill levels. Hold a pre-ride meeting to talk about your ride strategy and to review hand signals. Select a skilled group lead and sweep. Keep your group size manageable. Ride only in a staggered formation. Leave a safe and proper following distance between motorcycles. Take breaks to prevent fatigue.

Shared responsibility

Road safety is a shared responsibility. As a car driver, be aware of your blind spots, slow down behind motorcycles, don’t tailgate, and use your turn signals. One of the most common causes of collisions between motorcycles and cars is the car driver turning left in front of the oncoming motorcycle, often due to speeding or lack of visibility. If driving a vehicle and making a turn or changing lanes, “look twice, turn once”.

Never drive impaired

Operating a motorcycle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, puts you and all road users at risk.

Learn more about the Highway Traffic Act

To learn more about the Highway Traffic Act and other laws in Ontario, visit Ontario's e-Laws website.then remain vigilant at all times. Avoid risky riding (lane splitting, following too closely, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic), slow down, and always ride sober. If you are riding in rural or northern Ontario, be very aware of deer moose and other large mammals on the roads.

Consider using the best practices recommended by the Halton Police.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.