Fatal Crash Closes Upper Scotch Line Road Friday Evening
Ontario Provincial Police in the Ottawa region are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred Friday evening in Tay Valley Township, a rural community roughly 90 kilometres southwest of Ottawa in Lanark County.
Lanark County OPP were called to the scene at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Upper Scotch Line Road, a stretch of road between Scotch Line and Allans Mill Road, west of Perth. Upon arrival, officers found a man who had been fatally injured after the motorcycle he was riding crashed. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation Ongoing
OPP have not yet released the victim's name or age, pending notification of next of kin. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and police have not indicated whether other vehicles were involved.
Authorities are urging anyone who was travelling in the area Friday evening and may have witnessed the crash — or who has dashcam footage from the area — to come forward and contact Lanark County OPP.
A Reminder of Rural Road Safety
Fatal motorcycle crashes are a sobering reminder of the risks that come with riding on rural roads in Eastern Ontario. As the region inches toward warmer spring weather, more motorcyclists will be returning to the roads around Ottawa and the surrounding counties after the winter off-season.
Experts consistently remind riders to check road conditions carefully in early spring, when debris, sand, and frost heaves can make rural roads especially hazardous. Wearing proper protective gear and riding within posted speed limits are also critical factors in reducing crash severity.
For Ottawa-area residents who frequently drive between the city and communities like Perth, Smiths Falls, or Carleton Place, OPP ask drivers to be especially mindful of motorcycles sharing the road during this time of year.
What to Do If You Have Information
If you witnessed the crash on Upper Scotch Line Road or have relevant dashcam footage, contact the Lanark County OPP detachment directly or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at crimestoppers.ca.
OPP have not yet confirmed whether road closures are still in effect following the incident.
Source: Ottawa Citizen — OPP probes fatal motorcycle crash near Perth
