Image Credit: Shutterstock
August 30, 2018 - 2:30 PM
The B.C. Coroners Service has issued a warning about the rising number of motorcycle riders killed in crashes in the hope awareness will help slow the carnage.
According to a B.C. Coroners Service report, 18 motorcycle riders died in July this year alone, compared to the six who died in July 2017.
The coroners service says based on its preliminary data, 30 motorcycle riders have died in crashes from January through to July this year.
There were 34 motorcyclist deaths in 2017, 34 in 2016 and 35 in 2015. Over the last 10 years, 2012 saw the lowest number of fatalities with 26 deaths, while 2009 had the highest number at 48 deaths.
The coroners report states 38 per cent of all motorcycle fatalities in the last 10 years were a result of speed, while 34 per cent of deaths involved alcohol or drug impairment. Error and inexperience counted for 15 per cent of fatalities and rider fatigue 10 per cent. Factors related to other motor vehicles and their drivers contributed to 14 per cent of motorcycle deaths.
Other key factors from the report show 90 per cent of victims to be male with the majority of fatalities taking place on the weekend.
“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," chief coroner Lisa Lapointe says in a media release. "We urge all drivers on B.C. roadways to exercise caution and take time to plan ahead."
The B.C. Coalition of Motorcyclists calls the report deeply concerning.
“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," Tara Briscoe with the coalition says in the release. "Everyone deserves to make it home to their families after a ride."
To contact a reporter for this story, email Ben Bulmer or call (250) 718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2018