Defensive Riding Recommended as Motorcycle Deaths Rise Again

ORILLIA, ON, Aug. 14, 2015 /CNW/ - So far this year 25 motorcycle fatalities have been recorded on OPP-patrolled roads and police are appealing to riders to use their defensive driving skills to keep themselves safe. 

One of the important things that riders learn when they take a motorcycle training course is to 'drive as if you are invisible', which addresses the fact that car drivers who are looking for bigger vehicles sometimes don't notice motorcyclists in their path, especially at intersections. "I never saw him" is something heard all too often at the scene of a motorcycle crash.

Defensive riding is the most important key to safe motorcycle driving; ride to expect the unexpected. Riders are reminded to be aware of other motorists at all times and be ready with a counter maneuver to avoid their mistakes.  

This year twenty-two operators and three passengers have died in motorcycle crashes.  Fifteen of those deaths involved persons between the ages of 45 – 65 years of age.  Four people died while on a motorcycle in West Region alone within the first week of August. The OPP is reminding all drivers to always have a watchful eye for motorcycles; the safety of motorcyclists is the responsibility of everyone.

Motorcycle riders should be aware of where a motorist's blind spots lie and spend as little time in them as possible. If you can see driver's eyes in their mirrors, then they have the ability to see you too.

                                                                                                                                  

SOURCE Ontario Provincial Police

Contacts by OPP Region: Highway Safety Division: Sergeant Kerry Schmidt, Phone: [phone]; Central Region: A/Sgt. Lynda Cranney, Phone: [phone]; East Region: Sergeant Kristine Rae, Phone: [phone]; Northwest Region: Sergeant Shelley Garr, Phone: [phone]; North East Region: Sergeant Chrystal Jones, Phone: [phone]; West Region: Constable Kevin Martin, Phone: [phone]