Motorcyclist deaths have spiked in B.C. this year

Motorcyclist deaths have seen a drastic rise in B.C. during 2018.

According to the BC Coroners Service (BCCS), 30 people died in motorcycle crashes from January through July 2018, with 18 in July alone.

The 30 deaths in the first six months of 2018 is more than double the number that was recorded in 2017, prompting BCCS to issue a reminder to everyone on the road to be safe with the higher traffic expected this Labour Day long weekend.

The BCCS said they have seen “key trends” in motorcycle fatalities over the past 10 years:

• Motorcyclist speed and impairment continue to be the leading contributing factors;
• The majority (83%) of decedents resided in BC;
• Nine in every 10 decedents were male;
• The Interior and Fraser health authority regions had the highest number of motorcyclist deaths (in 2018 to date, 12 and 10 deaths respectively – making up 73% of all motorcyclist deaths).

"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."