On Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Transportation released a report that deaths involving motorcycles on Minnesota roads were up from last year. So far this year, there have been 52 motorcycle deaths. This contrasts sharply with the overall decrease in traffic deaths.
Motorcycle deaths represents 17 percent of the 2008 overall Minnesota highway death totals. In 2007, 61 motorcyclist deaths accounted for only 12 percent of all traffic deaths. Of great concern is that the 2007 total was a 17 year peak.
With the raising prices of gas, it’s little surprise that there are more two wheel vehicles on the road. State registrations indicate that the number of motorcycle owners has doubled since 1996. Along with more cycles, there also has been an increase in motorcycle accidents.
In looking at the numbers, a couple of things are clear:
– Don’t drink and drive,
– Start seeing motorcycles and their smaller friends the mopeds, and
– and let’s make sure all drivers share the road!
