The year 2014 will go down as being the most deadly one in years, with 32 Ontarioians dying as a result of motorcycle crashes. That’s according to a “Special to the (Toronto) Star” report by Gary Grant, published on Saturday September 12, 2015. The report continues…”a sobering statistic shows that 2015 is on course to be an even worse season.
To date, 29 motorcycle riders have died on the streets and roads of Ontario in 2015.”
The Ontario Provincial Police are reminding motorcyclists to practice defensive driving techniques; in other words, look out for the other guy (other drivers in trucks and cars who may not see the motorcycle).
The Toronto Star article quotes Sharron St-Croix, Executive Director of the Rider Training Institute as saying: “We as riders need to understand that riding within the rules of the road will not always keep us safe, and we have to ride tactically. We need to ensure we are seen.”
In 2014, the OPP issued a statement which dispels some of the common myths about motorcycle deaths. In the statement (as reported by CBC News) they refute the myth that “young, inexperienced motorcyclists are the most vulnerable, at-risk riders and account for the largest number of victims who die in motorcycle crashes in Ontario…Fact: From 2008 to August 2014, only 16 of the 175 motorcyclists who have died on Ontario roads were under the age of 25. The age group with the highest rate of fatality is the 45-54 year group, which comprises 48 of 175 victims. The second highest age group is the 55-64 year group, with 39 victims in that category. Combined, these two age groups account for almost half of the fatalities (87).” Source: CBC News, quoting OPP released data.
The other myth dispelled by the OPP, as quoted in the CBC News report is the myth that motorcyclists are always to blame for the crash. Here’s what the OPP say about that: “Fact: between 2008 and 2014, for 50 of the 175 motorcycle victims, the driver of the motorcycle was driving properly at the time. According to the top contributing factors in the (2014) deaths, speed was a factor in 43 deaths, 29 motorcyclists crashed after losing control, alcohol was a factor in 21 deaths, failure to yield resulted in 20 deaths and inattention was a factor in 18 of the deaths.” Source: CBC News report on OPP statement on motor accidents released in 2014)
Due to their very nature, motorcycles are less stable than enclosed vehicles and therefore offer less protection. As a result, motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neurological injuries, broken bones and amputations.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to make a claim for Statutory Accident Benefits under Ontario’s No-Fault system. Such benefits will provide you with needed compensation for medical and rehabilitation expenses and to cover loss of income. You may also have the right to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and economic losses. At Horowitz Injury Law we have nearly 35 years of experience in advancing motorcycle accidents claims. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your claim, at 416-925-4100.
