Motorcycle Accidents Continuously Rise Across Minn.

It has been a dangerous summer for motorcycle riders. It is important to stay safe on the road.

A week after two men died on the road, two more men were injured in a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle crashes are on the rise.

While the number of motorcycles on the road has doubled over the past decade, the number of deadly accidents has tripled. The biggest concern for most motorcyclists is being cut off in traffic, but the majority of fatal motorcycle accidents don't even involve other vehicles.

Last year in Minnesota, 72 people were killed while riding motorcycles. That is the highest number of fatal crashes in past 24 years. So far this year is on pace to meet that number.

Last week, two bikers were killed in a rare head-on crash. And early Wednesday morning, two other people were seriously injured while riding side by side. The state patrol is now investigating what went wrong.

Pat Hahn from the Department of Public Safety says it is important to look twice before you change lanes.

But while the message about "seeing motorcycles" is important, Hahn says, there is an even more important step riders should be taking to make sure they're seen.

In addition to increasing your visibility, he says, new and experience riders can benefit from a motorcycle safety course. The chances of surviving a crash are greatly improved when you wear the proper clothing including a helmet, jacket, boots and gloves.

Safety Course
http://www.motorcyclesafety.state.mn.us/latest/MMSCHomeSecondary.asp?cid=5&mid=280