An accident involving a motorcycle happened just before noon today, Wednesday August 29th, at Airport Way and Highway 97. Emergency crews arrived on scene to find the motorcycle over turned in the southbound lanes of the highway. Findings at the scene suggest the roadway may have contributed to the operator of the motorbike losing control, with the investigator pointing to 'grinded pavement.'
The motorcyclist, a 42-year-old Kelowna man, suffered what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries. He was transported to hospital by BC Ambulance Service for further medical assessment and treatment of those injuries. "RCMP remind motorcyclists to wear appropriate protective gear while riding," states Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey. "It is likely that this riders injuries would have been more severe had he not been wearing his proper helmet and other protective clothing while operating his motorcycle."
This morning, the BC Coroner's Service released numbers, showing motorcycle deaths have more than doubled through the first 7 months of the year in BC, compared to 2017.
Based on preliminary data, 30 people died in motorcycle crashes from January through July 2018, with 18 in July alone. “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.”
Key trends in motorcycle fatalities over the past decade include:
A detailed BC Coroners Service study shows motorcyclist and/or motorcycle factors contributed to 70% of all fatalities. The study found that motorcyclist speed and motorcyclist impairment were each contributory to more than one-third of all 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.
“The British Columbia Coalition of Motorcyclists has been deeply concerned and saddened by the alarming amount of fatalities involving motorcyclists this year,” said Tara Briscoe, manager, BC Coalition of Motorcyclists. “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.”