Spike In Motorcycle Deaths

By Corey Fischer

Aug 29, 2018 | 10:23 AM

Motorcycle deaths have more than doubled this year in BC.

The BC Coroner’s Service says 30 people have died in motorbike crashes so far this year, including 18 in July alone.

“This is more than double the number of motorcycle-involved deaths occurring from January to July 2017,” states a release from the Service.

In a study over the last decade, speed and impairment were leading factors in the fatal incidents, and 90 percent of the victims were males.

“BC Coroners Service data signals a significant increase in deaths involving motorcyclists this summer,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner. “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. We urge all drivers on B.C. roadways to exercise caution and take time to plan ahead.”

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The Interior and Fraser health authority regions had the highest number of motorcyclist deaths (in 2018 to date, 12 and 10 deaths respectively – making up 73% of all motorcyclist deaths).

The study also found that environmental factors, such as slippery roads, contributed to 23% of the deaths, and factors related to other motor vehicles and their drivers contributed to 14%.

Over the past decade, more than half of decedents were injured in the summer months, and motorcyclists were more likely to be injured on Saturdays (25% of deaths) and Sundays (20% of deaths) than on the other five days of the week.

Tara Brisco from the the BC Coalition of Motorcyclists says they’re deeply concerned and saddened by the alarming number of fatalities

“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. Everyone deserves to make it home to their families after a ride.”

by Corey Fischer