‘Our fear is that if we can’t correct this, we’re going to see continued deaths on our roads.’
Fatal motorcycle crashes have steadily increased in Ontario during the past decade, with Southwestern Ontario accounting for more than one-third of the deaths, police say.
There have been 342 motorcyclists killed in crashes on OPP-patrolled roads, including 123 in the OPP’s west region, an area that encompasses Southwestern Ontario, according to statistics released last week.
Investigators determined that motorcycle drivers were at fault in 60.7 per cent of the 326 crashes between 2012 and 2021, while the drivers of other vehicles were to blame in 39.3 per cent of the deadly collisions.
The main factors in the crashes – 120 of them single-vehicle collisions – were excessive speed, failing to yield to traffic and driver inattention, police said.
“Our fear is that if we can’t correct this, we’re going to see continued deaths on our roads,” OPP Sgt. Paul Beaton said.
The deadliest year for motorcyclists in the past decade was 2017, when there were 48 fatalities, including 17 in Southwestern Ontario, the second-highest death toll for the region in the 10-year period.
“Our goal is to try to engage with the public and correct behaviors and maybe encourage people to take some training or reflect on how they’re operating,” Beaton said.
With riders between 45 to 54 years old the most likely to die in crashes, motorcyclists of all levels can benefit from regular training at community colleges or private training centres, he said.
The head of a non-profit that offers motorcycle licensing and skills-development courses says regular training is key to staying safe on the road.
“It is a skill that you have to continuously work on,” said Sharron St. Croix, executive director of the Rider Training Institute based in Toronto.
“In Canada, there are a number of months where you’re going to be off your motorcycle. In the springtime, we really encourage people to take some kind of refresher (training).”
There’s been an uptick in enrollment in the Rider Training Institute’s courses during the past two years, St. Croix said.
“With us being locked down and not being able to travel, I think people were looking for a way to enjoy themselves,” she said of the increased interest in motorcycling.
St. Croix urged riders to wear protective equipment always. “All gear, all the time. That’s our motto,” she said.
Police are reminding motorists they also have a role to play in keeping motorcyclists safe.
“Whether you’re on a motorcycle or in a car, just be aware of what’s around you because (motorcycles) can occupy a very small space in your blind spot,” Beaton said. “Make sure you’re checking over your shoulders (and) leave lots of distance. That should be a common practice regardless of what type of vehicle you’re in.”
The OPP’s road-safety message comes one week before thousands of motorcyclists are expected to descend on Port Dover for the Friday the 13th gathering, the first time the Lake Erie community has hosted the event since COVID-19 restrictions have been fully lifted.
The last Friday the 13th gathering in August drew around 35,000 visitors to Port Dover, down significantly from the roughly 100,000 in attendance in 2019. With weather traditionally playing a big role in the turnout, next week’s event could see large crowds as forecasters are calling for a daytime high of 26 C and sunshine.
(Southwestern Ontario)
2012
: 27 (7)
2013
: 28 (8)
2014
: 32 (9)
2015
: 31 (9)
2016
: 36 (19)
2017
: 48 (18)
2018
: 36 (11)
2019
: 27 (12)
2020
: 42 (17)
2021
: 35 (13)
Total
: 342 (123)