OPP reports 20 year high in motorcycle deaths, urges caution this season

Safety concerns mount this summer as deaths on motorcycles rise on OPP-patrolled roads.

As the summer rolls on, police and motorcycle experts continue to preach safety as a top priority, especially after OPP reported the highest amount of motorcyclist deaths last year in two decades.

Of the 57 motorcyclist deaths reported by OPP in 2024, 11 of them took place in Central Region, with speeding, loss of control, and lack of attentiveness being the main factors.

“Often times, after a collision, the first thing the driver will say is, I never saw the motorcycle,” said OPP Sgt. Joe Brisebois.

Experts also point to speeding through intersections as a major risk factor, where an estimated one third of motorcycle collisions occur, according to OPP.

“If you’re just cruising through the intersection at 65 (kilometres per hour), you may be going too fast to avoid the person that might cut you off,” said Clinton Smout, chief instructor for the Canada Safety Council.

At Georgian College instructors in the motorcycle training program make sure new riders do their part to keep themselves safe.

“We have to look at our own riding and what we can do to be better ambassadors of the sport,” said Jenn Martin, manager of the college’s motorcycle training program, adding some subtle tips they share with their students. “There are little cues that you can use with cars that are out there that have sensors on their mirrors and they flash. That tells you you’re in somebody’s blindspot, so then you should adjust your position or make sure you make eye contact.”

Martin also urges riders to wear the minimum required equipment, from helmets to durable jackets, pants and boots.

Experts also urge riders to make themselves seen and heard as much as possible.

“Some of the safety features would be switching out your exhaust to a little bit louder decibel so that cars can hear you as well,” said Joe Racco, sales manager at St. Onge Recreation.

“(Wear) bright, high-quality clothing,” added Brisebois. “You want to be seen and you want to be safe.”

OPP urges riders to be up to date on their training and to never assume that they are seen. Motorists are urged to be extra vigilant and give motorcyclists ample time and space.

OPP confirm officers will be targeting and enforcing motorcycle safety all summer.