(ORILLIA, ON) – With Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week getting underway, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging motorcyclists and drivers to avoid behaviours and actions that caused or contributed to last year’s historic 57 motorcyclist deaths on OPP-patrolled roads.
Excessive speed, losing control, failing to yield right of way, improper passing and driver inattention were leading causes or contributing factors in last year’s motorcyclist fatalities. The 18 riders who were not at fault in the fatal collisions that took their lives are a stark reminder that even the safest of motorcyclists are vulnerable to motorists who fail to share the road safely with them.
QUOTES
“2024 was a tragic reminder of what happens when motorcyclists and motorists drive aggressively, are not paying full attention, or engage in careless behaviours when sharing our highways and roads. Motorcycle season commands our absolute safest driving practices, heightened vigilance and adherence to traffic laws that are designed to keep all road users safe – especially vulnerable motorcyclists and their passengers.”
– Thomas CARRIQUE, Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner
“With the longer days and warmer weather, there will be more motorcycles on Ontario streets and highways. Last year’s devastating losses serve as a stark reminder to motorists and motorcyclists alike – stay alert and follow the rules of the road to create a safe environment for everyone.”
– Michael KERZNER, Ontario Solicitor General
“Whether you drive a car, a commercial vehicle, or ride a motorcycle, we all share the responsibility to follow traffic rules and ensure our roads are safe for everyone. Our government will continue to combat aggressive and unsafe driving by enforcing mandatory license suspensions for stunt driving and a zero-tolerance policy for impaired driving. Reckless drivers who endanger lives must face the full consequences of their actions.”
– Prabmeet SARKARIA, Ontario Minister of Transportation
QUICK FACTS
Riders between 25-34 years of age accounted for the highest number of motorcyclist deaths (15) on OPP-patrolled roads in 2024, followed by riders in the 65-74 age group (12).
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week runs from May 1-7, 2025.
HELPFUL LINKS
Motorcycle Training Organization:
Canada Safety Council:
www.canadasafetycouncil.org/gearing-up-motorcycle-training-program/
Motocanada.com:
www.motocanada.com/rider-information/safety/motorcycles/
