The West Region Ontario Provincial Police are calling on motorcyclists to make their safety a priority amid an alarming increase in the number of fatal motorcycle collisions this year.
To date in 2022, 12 motorcyclists have died in collisions in West Region, compared to seven deaths over the same period last year. The motorcycle operator has been at-fault in over 70% of all fatal motorcycle collisions in West Region so far in 2022.
The recent spike in motorcyclist deaths in West Region is prompting the OPP to urge riders to protect themselves by ensuring that road intersections are clear of traffic before proceeding, wearing bright protective gear, and enrolling in a Ministry of Transport-approved motorcycle safety training program.
“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.” – Inspector Shawn Johnson-OPP West Region Traffic and Marine Manager.
West Region figures (as of July 25,2022):
– In OPP-patrolled Regions, West Region has 52% of all motorcycle fatalities in the province to date in 2022.
– To date in West Region in 2022, 74% of motorcyclists have been deemed at-fault in fatal collisions.
– Grey Bruce and Norfolk County have experienced the most motorcyclist fatalities in Ontario in 2022 (three).
– To date in West Region, 28% of the victims in fatal motorcycle crashes are between 56 and 64-years-old.
– Top three contributing factors in fatal motorcycle collisions are loss of control, failure to yield right of way and excessive speed.
– 87% of the victims are male.
Written by: K. Close
