Motorcyclist fatalities on the rise in Toronto this year
Posted July 6, 2015 4:30 pm.
Last Updated July 6, 2015 4:35 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
There have already been four motorcycle deaths in Toronto in 2015 – one more than this time last year – according to Toronto police.
And according to OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt, there have been 11 motorcycle fatalities across the province.
Canadian Automobile Association director of driver training Teresa Di Felice says it is concerning that there have been so many motorcycle fatalities lately.
“Nice weather comes and you start to see more motorcycles on the road,” Di Felice said. “People are geared up for getting their bikes out and traveling around again, but the safety aspect is a concern.”
She says there has been a lot of awareness around motorcyclists being out on the road, but probably not to the same level as years past.
“A good part of the year you don’t see people out on motorcycles, so everyone has to remember that now is the time of year that all different vehicles are sharing the road,” Di Felice said. “Collisions can be prevented and it requires everyone to do their part on the road.”
According to the OPP, 2014 was the worst year for motorcycle deaths over the past seven years.
“Twelve motorcycle riders died on OPP patrolled roads, 33 for the entire [2014] year,” Schmidt said.
According to young driver insurance company Ingenie’s “Road Rage report,” summer is the most infuriating driving season, and as things start to heat up in Toronto, CEO Lorie Phair said drivers need to keep cool.
“Fifty-eight per cent of young drivers are frustrated by construction related delays in the summer while only 18 per cent are bothered by bad weather in the winter,” she said in a press release.
Di Felice said heat changes the behaviours and moods of drivers.
“Don’t drive if you are tired, be mindful of the heat and try to stay hydrated,” she said.
Tips for motorcyclists:
- Stay out of blind spots
- Make sure all your equipment is working well, including headlights
- Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing or motorcycle
- Put yourself in position to be most visible
- Flash your breaks to alert other drivers that you are slowing down
- Follow the law and wear a helmet
- Wear bright-coloured clothing
- Don’t wear T-shirts – wear leather or protective clothing instead