Motorcycle Fatalities on the Rise

FINDLAY – There have been three motorcycle fatal crashes in Hancock County in the last three months. In addition, a Findlay resident was killed in a motorcycle crash in Seneca County on Saturday.

In all three crashes in Hancock County, the motorcycle rider was at fault and one of those riders was not wearing a helmet. In 2019, 3,585 motorcycle-related crashes occurred on Ohio roadways, an 8 percent increase from 2018.

In 2019, there were 156 motorcycle-related fatal crashes – a 10 percent increase – which killed 165 people. In 2019, 10 percent of motorcycle-related crashes involved alcohol and/or drugs. This was nearly twice the rate of alcohol/drug use in crashes overall. Out of the 1,552 citations the Patrol issued motorcyclists in 2019, 21 percent were for operating a motorcycle without a proper license or endorsement. Only 43 percent of motorcyclists in crashes were wearing helmets.

“Motorcycle safety is not solely the responsibility of motorcyclists – it is very important for motor vehicle drivers to be aware there will be an increase of motorcyclists on the roadways during warm weather months”, said Lt. Matt Crow. It is important for motorcyclists to be properly trained in motorcycle safety, have a motorcycle endorsement, always wear a helmet, and not consume alcohol or drugs when operating a motorcycle.

Troopers at the Findlay Post want to remind everyone to pay attention to motorcycles and for cyclists to always wear the proper safety equipment,