Fatal crashes prompt safety reminders
Posted May 6, 2011 11:40:34 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A deadly day on the region’s roads is prompting reminders for motorcyclists and motorists alike.
Regional police continue to investigate two fatal motorcycle collisions that happened within 90 minutes yesterday in Kitchener and Waterloo. The first, on Ottawa Street near Hickson around 5 PM, claimed the life of 30-year old Nebojsa Lazic. Witnesses reported the motorcycle had been travelling at a high rate of speed before the crash.
Waterloo Regional Police spokesperson Alana Holtom says the rate of speed at which a motorcycle travels is just one thing a rider should always be aware of.
“There’s also the gravel and debris we often see in spring, which is common on roadways and may impact the ability to control the bike,” Holtom explains. “And we have to remember to ride according to the weather conditions. Generally, the first few minutes of a rainstorm are the most slick on our roadways as oil and water mix together.”
Yesterday’s conditions were sunny and mild yet, along with Lazic, 61-year old motorcyclist Paul Summer was killed when he failed to negotiate a curve on Northfield Drive around 6:30 PM.
Raynald Marchand, National Co-ordinator of the Motorcycle Training Program of Canada, says it’s important for motorcycle riders to spend some time refreshing their skills in the spring.
“Practice braking and cornering in low-density traffic areas,” Marchand suggests.
Yesterday’s crashes in Waterloo Region follow another fatal motorcycle crash last weekend in Toronto and a multi-vehicle pile-up near Guelph that included two motorcyclists. But both Holtom and Marchand are quick to point out that road safety is a shared responsibility.
“(Drivers) have to remember that, come spring and summer, there are vulnerable road users,” Marchand notes. “That includes motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians in greater number than before.”
Anyone with information related to either of yesterday’s collisions is encouraged to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Traffic Branch at 519-653-7700 ext 8856 or by email at traffic@wrps.on.ca.
