Winter and its white carpet have barely given way to the spring sun when half a dozen motorcyclists have already lost their lives on the roads of Quebec since mid-April.
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The weekend was quite disastrous for motorcyclists in the province: death mowed down two enthusiasts of this hobby in just a few hours.
The first victim lost his life near Beaumont, in Chaudière-Appalaches, around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. Marie-Pier Laflamme, who was alone on her machine, lost control before hitting the central reservation of Highway 20, leaving her no chance.
Then, around 2:30 a.m. yesterday morning, a similar situation occurred in Montreal. A 37-year-old man was the victim of a fatal swerve on Courval Street, near Hickmore Street, during a turn.
These two deaths are in addition to the four others recorded in the province by Le Journal since April 15, six weeks ago.
More popular than ever
In 2021, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) recorded no less than 67 motorcycle-related deaths, 2 more than the previous year and 22 more than in 2019.
It would not be surprising if this increase continued this year, according to Sophie Roy, spokesperson for the SAAQ. The popularity of this type of vehicle has never been greater.
“There was a boom. We went from 188,000 to 209,000 motorcycles between 2020 and 2021, while the average for the previous five years was 187,000,” says Ms. Roy.
“The more vehicles there are in circulation at the same time, the more the risks increase,” she specifies.
But the behavior of motorcyclists on the roads also plays a very big role in the disastrous results of recent years.
Call for caution
“One in two times, there is no other vehicle involved in motorcyclist-related accidents. Speed and distraction remain the leading causes of accidents,” says Ms. Roy.
Words also relayed by Jean-Pierre Fréchette, general manager of the Fédération motocycliste du Québec. However, he wants to send a message of caution to fans of this sport at the start of the season.
“The road conditions at this stage of the year are often very bad, with salt, sand, rain and potholes. Not to mention motorists who are not used to working with motorcycles, ”he explains.
