Following a sharp increase in motorcyclist fatalities in recent weeks, police have issued a public plea.
OPP are urging motorcyclists and all motorists to be alert and cautious and avoid all manner of risky driving when sharing the road.
According to police, 36 motorcyclists have died on OPP-patrolled roads so far this year, compared to 23 fatalities this time last year.
In more than half of the deaths, the driver’s action(s) that led to the collision were on the part of the motorcyclist, said police.
Meanwhile, 12 of the year’s fatalities occurred in July, with five more motorcyclist deaths occurring during the first week of August. Excessive speed, loss of control and improper passing are among actions behind the crashes, said police.
“Safe, attentive driving on the part of motorists is all it takes to prevent the senseless loss of life on roadways.”
Motorcyclists must also do their part to stay safe by driving within the speed limit and complying with all traffic laws, which go a long way toward keeping riders and their passengers safe, said OPP.
Story by Sarah Hyatt