Northumberland OPP Const. James Clarke. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
Following the deadliest year on record in two decades in 2024 when it comes to motorcyclist fatalities – and several deadly crashes already in 2025 across OPP-patrolled roads – Northumberland OPP is calling on all road users to do their part to help keep people safe.
Northumberland OPP Const. James Clarke recently caught with MBC to delve into statistics and the significance of motorcycle safety this summer.
His key message is clear.
Motorcyclists and their passengers are described as “vulnerable road users” – and there’s several reasons why.
Earlier this year, OPP released statistics following a tragic year in 2024, where more than 380 people died on OPP-patrolled roads, largely due to alleged poor and careless decisions while behind the wheel and in passenger seats. Of the 344 fatal crashes in 2024, 95 fatalities were attributed to speed – 80 deaths involved an inattentive driver, reported police.
Meanwhile, another 53 deaths were linked to impaired driving.
Victims not wearing safety gear also continues to be an issue – from life jackets to helmets and seatbelts, noted Clarke, adding among those 382 people killed in 2024, 60 individuals weren’t wearing seat belts, which either contributed to, or was the primary cause of their death.
But the preventable loss of life on roads extended beyond vehicle collisions. Fifty-seven (57) motorcyclists were killed – again, translating to the highest number of deaths in 20 years, reported OPP.
According to police statistics, 18 of the motorcyclists weren’t the at-fault drivers. Meanwhile, another 35 pedestrians and 12 cyclists also lost their lives, many of whom died through no fault of their own, said police.
“Motorists are often at fault in fatal motorcycle collisions and so we are urging (people) to always share the road safely with motorcyclists and their passengers, and be extra watchful for motorcyclists at intersections,” explained Clarke.
And that’s not all the statistics tell us, noted Clarke.
For motorcyclists, speeding, attention and alcohol- and drug-impairment and other poor road behaviours can easily cause a rider to lose control and prove deadly, continued Clarke. And again, safety gear is paramount, he added.
“When riding, always wear an approved motorcycle helmet and bright, high-quality protective gear to make yourself more visible to other motorists and better protect yourself in the event of a collision,” said Clarke.
So what’s the big takeaway for the motoring public from these statistics?
The data shows that most compelling reminder that motorcyclists’ safety is in large part in the hands of drivers around them – they’re often not seen by other drivers or vehicles, and the need for all drivers and motorcyclists to practise safe, defensive, attentive driving at all times cannot be overstated, stressed Clarke.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
