Media advisory, Monday, April 3, 2017, 6 a.m. - 10 a.m., Traffic Services, 9 Hanna Avenue, Motorcycle safety awareness session

Media advisory, Monday, April 3, 2017, 6 a.m. - 10 a.m., Traffic Services, 9 Hanna Avenue, Motorcycle safety awareness session

Friday, March 31, 2017 - 12:00 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

On Monday, April 3, 2017, TPS Traffic Services will be hosting a "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Session", between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., at 9 Hanna Avenue.

With the official start of spring on Monday, March 20, 2017, motorists will see an increase in motorcyclists on the roads, as spring is the traditional start to the riding season. With the return of the riding season, and the Toronto Police Service's continued focus on road safety for all road users, Traffic Services will be hosting a safety awareness session focusing on motorcycle safety. Subject-matter experts will be on hand to answer questions about motorcycle equipment safety, rider protection and training.

Since 1995, there have been 78 motorcycle fatalities in Toronto. The causal factors of the collisions were analyzed, and the contributing factors to the crashes were identified. Some of the myths and facts are shown below. 

Myth: Young, inexperienced motorcyclists are the most vulnerable, at-risk riders and account for the largest number of victims who die in motorcycle crashes.

Fact: From 1995 to 2017, 18 of the 78 motorcyclists who have died on Toronto roads were under the age of 25. The group with the highest rate of fatality is the 25-39 age group, which comprises 46 of the 78 victims. 

Myth: Those who die in motorcycle crashes are doing something wrong at the time of the incident. Like other drivers, motorcyclists can avoid crashes if they drive properly and within the law.

Fact: Between 1995 and 2017, in 27 of the 78 motorcycle fatalities, the driver of the motorcycle was driving properly at the time.

Other facts relating to the 78 motorcycle fatalities from 1995 to 2017:

- all victims were male
- no pattern of where motorcycle collisions occur most
- most of the fatalities occurred when the weather was dry
- the times of the collisions were varied and a pattern was not apparent

Safe operation, regardless of the type of vehicle, is critical to the safety of all road users. Together, we can make the roads safer by following all the rules. 

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For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services