With the return of warm temperatures, motorcycle riders are back on their bikes. Sadly, serious collisions are already being reported this year. On April 11th in North Bay, a 61-year-old man – a pedestrian – was struck by a motorcycle at the intersection of First Avenue West and Cassells Street. He later died in hospital. On April15th, a 49-year-old man was killed in a crash London. On April 18th, a 29-year-old male motorcycle rider was thrown off his bike after a crash with a tractor trailer on Highway 401 near the border of Scarborough and Pickering. He survived the accident. On April 23rd, a motorcyclist was seriously injured after a two-vehicle collision in Brampton.
2024 was a deadly year for motorcycle riders in Ontario with OPP reporting a “sharp increase” in crashes. There were 12 fatal accidents in July 2024 alone. In OPP Central Region, there were 204 motorcycle related collisions in 2023 and 215 in 2024. Non-fatal injuries increased by 9% between 2023 and 2024. There were 27 fatalities, accounting for 7% of all motorcycle-related incidents. In 2023, the most common age group for drivers involved in collisions was 45 to 54 years while in 2024 the leading age group for male drivers shifted to 55 to 64 years and female drivers shifted to 35-44 years.
In Huntsville there were 54 total collisions (31 in 2023, 23 in 2024). Statistics show that most occurred in the months of May, June, July, and August between the hours of 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week runs from May 1st to May 7th, and Huntsville OPP is asking motorists to prepare for the riding season by being aware of the issues with visibility, safe driving and risks involved.
The most common causes of collisions include:
- Lost Control: Leading cause, accounting for 24% of occurrences each year.
- Failed to yield right of way
- Inattentive driver
- Improper turn
- Following too closely
- Use of alcohol/drugs
The OPP is reminding riders to make sure your motorcycle is ready for the riding season and legal to be on the roads. Great safety advice is available on the MotoCanada website and through The Canadian Motorcycle Association.
THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR IMPAIRED DRIVING. Don’t include alcohol or drugs in any plans requiring you to drive. If you suspect impaired driving, please call 911.
