Ontario Provincial Police have seen a 300 per cent spike in motorcycle fatalities this year.
Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says eight riders have already died this season compared to two for the same period last year.
In a video posted on Twitter on Tuesday, Schmidt said last week was another deadly week with 17 fatal investigations on roads, trails and waterways across the province that left 19 people dead.
"We often talk about the leading cause of death and injury on our highways - distracted driving, aggressive driving, impaired driving and people not wearing their seatbelts or safety equipment," Schmidt said. "I can tell you every single one of those categories is up when we compare our fatal statistics last year to this year."
"Speed is the number one killer in motor vehicle collisions across the province."
259 people killed this year in collisions on the roads, waterways and trails.
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) August 23, 2022
19 people died last week alone, with a 300% increase in bicycle fatalities - 8 up from 2 last year. #DriveSafe #OPPStats. pic.twitter.com/lPpVjd1xOY
Schmidt said he wanted everyone who can listen to his message to understand the consequences of making a bad choice.
More than 250 people have been killed in land and water collisions so far this year, according to the OPP.
"Obey the speed limit, drive safely, responsibly and share the road, never drive impaired, where all your safety equipment, whether that's your helmet, your seatbelt, or your life jacket."
Police are encouraging anyone who sees dangerous driving on the roads or waterways to contact them at *OPP or 911.
