OPP warn motorcycle deaths on the rise, use caution

The Ontario Provincial Police says it's concerned motorcycle deaths could reach a seven year high and high speed is to blame.

So far 25 motorcyclists and one passenger have been killed this year. With two months leftin theriding season, police are worried that number will go up.

Earlier this month OPP's Aircraft Enforcement Patrol, which is used throughout the province to spot speeding vehicles, clocked a motorcyclist travelling at 210 km/h. The rider was charged with stunt driving.

"Other than a careless few that we come across during our enforcement operations, the OPP believes that Ontario motorcyclists in general recognize that they are a vulnerable road user and demonstrate safe, defensive driving," said Brad Blair, the deputy commissioner, Provincial Commander, Traffic Safety and Operational Support, in a press release.

"We are relying on motorcyclists and the motoring public to work with us and join in our efforts to keep motorcycling safe. The solution is simple: ride and drive within the law," he continued.

In Windsor, however, the number of collisions involving motorcycles is down. So far, there have been 12 collisions. In 2013, there were 48.

Myths about motorcycle riders

The OPP released some statistics recorded between 2008 and August 2014 to dispel some myths surrounding what causes motorcycle crashes.

Myth 1: Young motorcyclists are most vulnerable and have the highest number of deaths.

Fact 1: Out of 175 motorcycle fatalities 16 have been people under 25 years age. The age group with the highest rate of fatality is the 45 to 54 year group, which comprises 48 of the 175 victims.

Myth 2: Those who died in motorcycle crashes are doing something wrong at the time of the crash.

Fact 2: For 50 of the 175 motorcycle victims, the driver of the motorcycle was driving properly at the time.

Myth 3: Motorcyclists are at a far greater risk of crashing when riding on wet roads.

Fact 3: Police say 158 of 175 motorcyclists who have died during that time span were riding on dry roads.

Factors of deaths in 175 crashes 2008 to2014:

Other facts between 2008 and 2014:

• 168 of the 175 of people killed were the driver, seven were passengers
• 156 of the 175 of those killed were men, and 19 were women

Tip: Police are reminding drivers to watch for motorcyclists on the road since they are harder to spot than other vehicles. They are also reminding riders wear high visibility equipment and use proper lane positioning to make it easier to be seen by others on the road.