Motorcycle Deaths increasing

For the 14th year out of the last 15, deaths on motorcycles in the U.S. have increased and now top 5,000. The figures come in a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association. The Association’s Barbara Harsha says that dealers and riders can be pro-active in preventing deaths. “Hopefully the sellers who sell them will encourage motorcyclists to wear a helmet and get training and we hope that motorcyclists themselves will take it upon themselves to get the necessary training as well.” Harsha says carelessness by other drivers is also a factor, but many states have tried to raise awareness. “A number of states have Share the Road programs to help raise the visibility of this issue and remind motorists that they need to be aware of motorcycles in their path.” More helmet laws would prevent more motorcycle deaths, but it’s an uphill battle, even in those states that have laws, concludes Harsha. “There are only nineteen states that have universal helmet laws that cover all riders and there have been attempts to repel those laws in just about every state.” Through midnight April 21, 23 motorcyclists have died on South Carolina roads and highways.