Provincial police are urging caution on the roads as motorcycle deaths are on track to reach a seven-year-high in Ontario.

Police say that as of August 18, 26 people -- 25 motorcyclists and one passenger -- have died in motorcycle crashes within OPP jurisdiction.

That compares with 29 deaths in collisions involving motorcycles last year, and 26 the year before.

"We are still seeing people losing their lives beacuse of speed and losing control," said Sgt. Kerry Schimdt.

Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says with four more months left in the year, it's likely Ontario's motorcycle-related deaths will surpass last year's record.

"The fact is it's a serious issue and we still have a lot of riding time left," said Schmidt.

He says police want to dispel common myths about motorcycle collisions as they urge all motorists to drive defensively.

Police say while many think young, inexperienced motorcyclists account for the largest number of victims, only 16 out of the 175 motorcyclists who've died on Ontario roads between 2008 and August this year have been under the age of 25.

They say those aged between 45 and 54 account for the highest number of fatalities, followed by those aged 55 to 64.

Police also say that in the majority of fatal motorcycle crashes, the driver of the motorcycle was found to be driving properly at the time.

Cathy McCraken teaches the motorcycle training course at Georgian College and always offers this advice to her students;

"If you're overly cautious, you can create traffic conditions that can be bad--you need a healthy dose of fear," she said.

Police say because motorcycles are harder to see than other vehicles, the actions of another driver are often a factor.

Police are reminding motorcyclists to wear high visibility equipment and position themselves properly in lanes to increase their chances of being seen, while also reminding other motorists to be on the watch for motorcycles, especially before changing lanes.

- With files from The Canadian Press