Ontario Provincial Police Now Using Its Cessna Airplane To Reduce The Growing Number Of Motorcyclist Fatalities

The OPP report a 56% increase in the number of motorcyclist fatalities and almost all of them are preventable.

They're bringing in their Cessna airplane to help them deal with that increase. More motorcycle collisions again this week brings this year's fatalities to 39, setting the stage for a possible 10-year high in motorcyclist deaths on OPP-patrolled roads. Three motorcyclists under the age of 19 and two passengers are among the riders who have lost their lives this year. Through the OPP's Aerial Enforcement Program (AEP), the Cessna 206 is an effective tool for spotting and tracking motorcyclists as well as other drivers who think travelling at speeds significantly above the speed limit is worth the risk, whether it's for the thrill, or as a means of evading police officers who spot them from the ground.

The AEP airplane is also effective for detecting other aggressive drivers such as those who follow too closely or make unsafe lane changes, which are among the behaviour s attributed to fatalities every year. The OPP reminds riders as well as motorists who share roadways with them that motorcyclists are the most vulnerable drivers on our roads, even when they drive safely.

The OPP is counting on all motorcyclists and drivers to do their part to prevent further loss of life on our roads. All it takes is safe, responsible driving and complying with traffic laws which are designed to keep the motoring public safe.