36 motorcyclists died on Ontario highways so far this year

An increase in motorcyclist crash fatalities this summer in Ontario has police warning the public.

Police ask motorcyclists and motorists to be alert, cautious and avoid risky driving when sharing the road after a “sharp increase in motorcyclist fatalities,” the OPP said in a press release.

Thirty-six motorcyclists have died on OPP-patrolled roads so far this year, compared to 23 fatalities at this time last year, police said.

Twelve motorcyclists died in July, and five more in the first week of August, police said.

A motorcyclist from Mississauga died on Aug. 1 in a crash on Highway 427 in Toronto. An Oshawa motorcyclist died following a crash in Clarington on July 30. And a motorcyclist was pronounced dead in a five-vehicle crash on Highway 401 in Mississauga on July 28.

In over half of the 36 deaths, motorcyclist action(s) led to the collisions, police said.

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Police said excessive speed, loss of control and improper passing are among the driver actions behind the crashes.

“Safe, attentive driving on the part of all motorists is all it takes to prevent the senseless loss of life on roadways,” OPP said in the press release. “Motorcyclists must also do their part to stay safe on our roadways by complying with all traffic laws, which go a long way toward keeping riders and their passengers safe. ”

Lead photo:  Caner Demiroğlu