“Everyone deserves to make it home to their families after a ride,” Tara Briscoe, manager, BC Coalition of Motorcyclists says.
But sadly, this summer has seen a significant spike in motorcycle deaths. Since January, 30 people have died in motorcycle crashes, with 18 deaths in July alone.
Motorcycle riding in BC/Shutterstock
The preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service revealed motorcycle deaths more than doubled through the first seven months of 2018.
With more people expected to be on the roads this long weekend, road users are being sent a strong reminder to slow down and stay cautious – with the hope the last weekend of summer will be fatality free.
Over the past decade, more than half of riders were injured in the summer months, and motorcyclists were more likely to be injured on Saturdays and Sundays.
“Our goal is to prevent deaths in similar circumstances by raising awareness of the fatalities and sharing preventative measures, so everyone can get to their destination safely said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner.
"We urge all drivers on B.C. roadways to exercise caution and take time to plan ahead.”
A detailed BC Coroners Service study found speed and impairment continued to be leading contributing factors in more than one-third of all motorcyclist deaths.
Lindsay Matthews, ICBC’s interim vice-president responsible for road safety, said speed made it difficult to respond to unexpected events, or to correct for errors.
“ICBC strongly encourages motorcyclists to keep within posted speed limits at all times, and to wear full protective gear to protect themselves in the event of a crash," she said.
Environmental factors, such as slippery roads, also contributed to 23 per cent of the deaths, and factors related to other motor vehicles and their drivers contributed to 14 per cent.
Riders are urged to be extra vigilant while riding in the Interior and Fraser health authority regions, where the highest number of motorcyclist deaths have been recorded.
BC Coalition of Motorcyclists manager Tara Briscoe said the coalition was “deeply concerned and saddened by the alarming amount of fatalities involving motorcyclists this year.”
“We hope that by raising public awareness on the matter that this number will decrease and that we can finish this riding season with fewer casualties.”
