The BC Coroner’s Service is advising all road users to be cautious over the long weekend, after a reported spike in motorcyclist deaths has come to light so far this year.
Between January and July 2018, 30 people have died in motorcycle crashes, which is more than double the amount of similar deaths reported within the same time period in 2017. Six of the 30 fatal crashes this year happened on Vancouver Island.
Over the past decade, nine out of ten decedents were male, and the majority of motorcycle-related deaths occurred in the Interior and Fraser health authority regions.
In total, between January 2008 and July 2018, 17.9% of all motorcyclist deaths in British Columbia occurred on Vancouver Island.
Speed and impairment among motorcyclists have been named as the main contributing factors, leading to over 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%.
“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.”
