OPP concerned with the number of recent motorcycle crashes

After a number of horrific crashes involving motorcycles recently the OPP are asking all drivers to be vigilant.

Three people died on Sunday after a crash involving a number of motorcycles. Police say one bike crossed the centre line causing a chain reaction crash.

Five people were injured following a collision between a pickup truck and a group of motorcycles on Highway 7 near the Village of Havelock on Saturday afternoon.According to police a westbound pickup truck crossed the centre line of Highway 7 and collided with three of seven motorcycles riding eastbound near Weller Road.

The OPP is providing safety tips for motorcycle enthusiasts.

They says as a motorcyclist, you are a more vulnerable road user because motorcycles are tougher to see than other vehicles, even with the headlights on, and lack characteristics that directly contribute to occupant safety, providing virtually no protection in a crash.

• Motorcyclists should not assume that other drivers can see them – drivers that have collided with motorcycles often say they did not see the motorcycle until it was too late.
•  Always ride at a speed appropriate for road and weather conditions as speeding and loss of control are major causes of motorcycle collisions.
•  When riding, always wear an approved motorcycle helmet and bright, high-quality protective gear to make yourself more visible to other motorists.
• Never take your focus away from operating the motorcycle, being on two wheels at highway speeds means that any loose gravel, uneven pavement or potholes will cause some sort of reaction from the handling of the bike and could cause you to lose control.
• Avoid riding in a vehicle’s blind spot as this can greatly reduce the chance of a potential collision caused by a motorist who may not see them.

But they say all motorists bear some responsibility for keeping the roads safe. They are asking all drivers to have a watchful eye out for motorcycles given how difficult they can be to see especially at intersections and when making left turns across a live lane of traffic or changing lanes. We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe, lets work together towards this common goal.