10-year data shows motorcyclists largely responsible in fatal Ontario crashes

By Lucas Casaletto

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) recently examined fatal crashes involving motorcycles over a 10-year span, with data pointing to riders being responsible just over 60 per cent of the time.

The OPP published findings on Thursday after close to 350 motorcyclists lost their lives in fatal crashes in the last ten years.

The data found that between 2012 and 2021, police investigated 326 fatal motorcycle incidents that claimed the lives of 342 motorcyclists. Over the ten years, the motorcyclists who died were reportedly the at-fault driver in 60.7 per cent of the crashes, with 39.3 per cent of those who were at fault being drivers of other vehicles.

The OPP says 120 fatalities were collisions that concerned a single motorcycle. At least one other vehicle was involved in the other 222 deaths.

“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.

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