With a favourable weekend forecast, provincial police are reminding drivers to be extra vigilant on the roads, particularly after sharing a grim update on ATV and motorcycle incidents. The deaths Sgt. Kerry Schmidt from the OPP Highway Safety Division delivered the messaging from the Barrie ONroute through a social media video on Friday. “Unfortunately we have already seen six ATV off-road vehicle fatalities, people losing their lives on these machines,” said Sgt. Schmidt. “About half those people who have died in the last ten years were not wearing their helmet.” He specified that 240 ATV riders have died in the last decade, with drugs, alcohol, inattention, losing control, and excessive speed also being contributing factors. When it comes to motorcycle crashes, the OPP reports that six motorcyclists have been killed in crashes so far this year and more than 400 have died in the last ten years. “About a third of them die as a result of the actions of the other driver.” said Sgt. Schmidt. “Even if you’re not riding a motorcycle, we want you to pay attention. Look, look again if you’re making a turn, changing lanes, watch out.” The forecast According to Environment Canada, Simcoe County and Muskoka will see plenty of sun over the weekend and might not see a rain drop until Thursday night, when there will be a 30 per cent chance of showers. The forecasted high for Saturday and Sunday is 20 degrees. “There’s gonna be a lot of people out there enjoying the open road and may not be paying attention to what’s going around them so we need you to do your part,” added Sgt. Schmidt. “Traffic’s going to be busy. Please keep your eyes up, keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road and your mind focused on the task of driving. Have an incredibly great weekend, get home safely, enjoy the heat and the sunshine, and please stay safe.” This coming week also marks Ontario ATV Safety Week, which runs from Monday to next Sunday.
