Motorcyclist fatalities number highest in a decade

Last year, Virginia recorded the highest number of motorcyclist fatalities in a decade, and, as the weather warms again, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles urges motorcyclists and motorists to do their part to prevent deaths this year.  According to Sgt. Chuck Kain of the Virginia State Police, 11 people have been killed on the state's highways in crashes involving motorcycles in only the first three months of 2018.

In 2017, 177 motorcyclists were killed on Virginia roadways, compared to 72 in 2016 – a nearly 50-percent increase. Ninety motorcyclist fatalities were reported in 2011, the previous decade high.

In Henrico County, two motorcyclists lost their lives and 43 were injured in 2017, out of a total of 59 motorcycle crashes for the year.

“A large number of motorcycle crashes occur when the motorcyclist is traveling too fast and loses control of his bike. Following a safe speed is a simple solution for these types of crashes,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Other crashes can occur when a person driving a car, for example, doesn’t see the motorcyclist because of inattention or a blind spot. We encourage motorists to be aware of motorcyclists sharing the road and to make sure you know where they are in traffic before changing lanes.”

With Governor Ralph Northam designating April as Highway Traffic Safety Month, Virginia State Police is offering motorcycle riders an opportunity to tune up their riding skills at one of the department’s free Ride 2 Save Lives motorcycle self-assessments.  Created with the intention of increasing rider safety and reducing motorcycle fatalities, Ride 2 Save Lives self-assessment courses debuted last year and have been expanded after overwhelmingly positive response from riders. The courses are geared towards intermediate and experienced riders, focused on enhancing their safe practices on and off the road and including such topics as motorcycle maintenance and daily checks, raising a downed motorcycle, curve negotiation, and interstate highway riding.

A listing of Ride 2 Save Lives courses across the state can be found at virginiastatepolice.eventbrite.com. Registration is free and can be completed online.