Preventable Motorcycle Deaths Mar Long Weekend

Fatal Investigations on the Rise as Summer Approaches

AURORA, ON, May 24, 2016 /CNW/ - Three motorcycle drivers and one motorcycle passenger were killed in preventable collisions on OPP-patrolled roads over the long weekend bringing the motorcycle fatality total for 2016 to nine deaths. The OPP is concerned that the death toll will mount further on Ontario highways unless all drivers respect each other.

Drive defensively. Leave adequate space between all vehicles. Respect the speed limit and never drive impaired. Remember that motorcycles are smaller but increasingly popular. Car drivers need to check carefully for motorcycles and all vehicles before changing lanes or turning.

As the days are getting longer, more Ontarians enjoy getting out and participating in leisure outdoor activities on provincial roads, waterways and trails. This is especially true now with the warmer weather arriving. With the increase in outdoor activities, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) historically sees an increase in the number of serious injury and fatality incidents across the Province.

In April 2016, the OPP investigated 26 fatalities which is the highest number for this month since 2009. This year OPP officers have already investigated eight marine related fatalities and the boating season is only just beginning.

In Ontario, the summer months are an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors, but these activities need to be enjoyed responsibly and with everyone's personal safety in mind. Alcohol, drugs, aggressive behaviour and distraction continue to be causal factors in many of these tragedies. If you are in/on a car, boat, ATV or motorcycle, remember to wear your seatbelt, life jacket or helmet.

Please do your part, think safety first before beginning the activity! Many of these fatalities can be prevented.

The OPP will be out patrolling the highways, waterways and trails this summer trying to ensure everyone's safety, but officers cannot do it alone. If you see a suspected impaired, dangerous or distracted driver, call 911. Remember it is everyone's collective responsibility to speak-up to ensure public safety.  Let's all make the promise to do our part to reduce these needless tragedies.

SOURCE Ontario Provincial Police

Contacts by Region: Highway Safety Division, Sgt. Kerry Schmidt, Phone: [phone]; Central Region, A/Sgt. Lynda Cranney, Phone: [phone]; East Region, A/Sgt. Angela Atkinson, Phone: [phone]; North West Region, Const. Diana Cole, Phone: [phone]; North East Region, Sgt. Chrystal Jones, Phone: [phone]; West Region, Sgt. Dave Rektor, Phone: [phone]