Motorcycle Deaths At Concerning Levels Again This Year

July 15, 2021, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

The OPP were warning drivers and motorcyclist of a concerning trend in motorcycle fatalities in 2021 back in April. They reminded Ontario drivers again in May. The trend of deaths continues. 2020 was a tragic year with a 10-year high in motorcycle fatalities with 42 deaths, and 2021 is shaping up to meet or exceed those numbers.

The OPP report that aggressive driving, excessive speed and failing to yield the right-of-way by motorcycle drivers are contributing factors in the deaths. Investigations by police in 2020 found that 37/42 of the fatal motorcycle accidents involved no other vehicles, and half of them were experienced riders aged 55-74. 

This weekend saw another motorcycle accident resulting in the death of a passenger and a driver with life-threatening injuries. OPP report that speed was a factor in the crash.

The OPP released this statement in April. For tips on safe riding click here.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident please contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Deutschmann Personal Injury Law.

NEWS RELEASE

 ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

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The Ontario Provincial Police has already responded to four fatal motorcycle collisions this year and is urging riders and other motorists to avoid contributing to a repeat of last year's tragic motorcycle season.       

Last year marked one of the worst riding seasons in more than 10 years, with 42 motorcyclists killed on OPP-patrolled roads. There were 27 fatalities in 2019.

OPP collision investigators pointed to excessive speed and failing to yield the right-of-way as lead contributing factors in the deaths. Two of this season's motorcycle fatalities are also linked to excessive speed.

"Aggressive and careless driving have no place on our roads, especially where motorcycles are involved. The OPP urges motorcyclists and other drivers to share the road safely and be alert. Motorcyclists are reminded to always ride responsibly, sober and drug-free, and to make themselves visible to other motorists. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Please help make it a safe riding season."

-- Chief Superintendent Rohan THOMPSON, Commander, OPP Highway Safety Division.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

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