As the number of visitors to Muskoka increases with the warmer weather, the Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to prepare for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by reminding all road users to be extra aware of motorcycles.
In 2023, there were six fatal motorcycle-related incidents in the Bracebridge Detachment area, marking the highest number of such occurrences in OPP Central Region that year.
“Muskoka has seen an increase in personal injury collisions and, tragically, several fatalities in 2023. The most common factors for these incidents are inattentive driving and speed. Muskoka sees a large increase in people during the spring and summer months to see its beautiful landscape, waterways and trails. The OPP are committed to both traffic and public safety and will be launching motorcycle safety week, providing safety tips for motorcycle enthusiasts and drivers to make sure everyone arrives to their destination safely.” – Inspector Wade Beebe, Bracebridge OPP.
The OPP would like to offer safety tips to assist riders:
• Dress to be seen and protected. Wear approved helmets, gloves, and jackets; consider wearing bright colours that are easily seen by other motorists.
• Slow Down. Respecting the posted speed limit and adjusting your speed in response to changing weather conditions will allow you time to respond safely.
• Drive Defensively. Consider that other motorists may not see you. Make eye contact with vehicles that might pull out in front of you.
• Take it to the track. The street is no place to test the limits of your sport bike. Take a lesson at a local racetrack or sign up for a track day.
The OPP would also like to remind passenger vehicles of the following safety tips:
• Look twice at intersections and when changing lanes. Motorcycles are small and easy to lose in a blind spot. It is also easy to misjudge the speed of an approaching motorcycle.
• Back off. Having a rear end collision with a car is one thing, but having one with a motorcycle could have fatal consequences.
• Give them room. Leave yourself time to react when motorcycles are around. If a rider were to fall off, could you avoid the downed rider?
• Let them swerve. Motorcyclists will often be active in their own lane. Many times moving, to avoid pot holes or roadkill. Hitting any of these could cause an issue for the rider.