Despite daily reminders to Ontarians to stay home and avoid non-essential travel, a number of recent motorcycle sightings on OPP patrolled roads suggests that some motorcyclists may not be taking the message seriously.
With warmer temperatures in store, the OPP is issuing a reminder about the unique risks posed to this vulnerable road user class, which may include additional risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the 27 motorcyclists who died on OPP-patrolled roads last year (2019), 10 of them were reported as being not at fault at the time of the incident. Unfortunately, over the past five years (2015-2019), 178 motorcyclists died in preventable collisions, many of whom were also reportedly not at fault.
This data sends a clear message to drivers of other vehicles about the need to be extra vigilant when sharing the road with motorcyclists. As motorcycles are not as visible as other vehicles, all motor vehicle drivers need to be mindful of this when changing lanes, turning and merging into traffic.
Motorcyclists can enhance their safety by:
- wearing highly visible clothing
- properly positioning their motorcycle on roadways
- reducing low light and night riding
- not taking chances or making risky maneuvers
- riding at the appropriate speed and never in excess of the posted limit
- never riding after consuming alcohol or drugs
I think I missed something. What are the higher risks that motorcyclists are put in due to COVID-19? It doesn’t address that in this article, it just states that they are and then gives the regular issues motorcyclists face.
Non essential travel should be avoided
If crews have to attend to a collision that would increase the spread risk of COVID19
Hospitals need to be ready for COVID19
Non essential people need to stay home, like you. The rest of us should go about our daily lives. the wuhan virus is not an issue, gov’t imposed laws preventing anyone’s exercise of rights and freedom is the real problem. Afraid of the virus?…stay home, otherwise carry on. Got the virus? go to the hospital. Sick from the virus? take a dose of hydroxychloroquine go home.
In the immortal words of someone who’s name I can’t remember: “What a crock of bush-waw! Living will kill you, suck it up and tell the gov’t to stay out of peoples lives and business.”. Sound advice.