Virginia Moves to Address Sharp Rise in Motorcycle Driver Deaths

July 16, 2008

With the number of motorcycle-related deaths sharply on the rise, Virginia officials are looking to improve safety.

The state is launching a program called Motorcycle 411 at its motorcycle training range in Richmond this week.

The event coincides with national Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day.

According to D.B. Smit, the governor’s highway safety representative, the program aims to improve not only the safety of motorcycle riders, but the awareness other drivers have of motorcycles on the road.

The timing of the safety program also coincides with a renewed boost in motorcycle ridership, thanks in part to high gas prices.

In 2007, there were 126 motorcycle fatalities in Virginia, nearly double the 70 deaths in 2006.

Topics Auto Personal Auto Virginia

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Latest Comments

  • July 17, 2008 at 12:33 pm
    Donna says:
    I agree that there are idiots driving motorcycles as well as cars and if you are acting stupid and taking chances you increase your own risk of dying or being seriously injure... read more
  • July 16, 2008 at 2:54 am
    curious says:
    Do we know the percent increase? With the increase in gas prices, there are more cycles out there now. If there's double the accidents, is it because there's double the cycl... read more
  • July 16, 2008 at 2:46 am
    Dunno says:
    Donna, most people here probably have nothing against law abiding motorcyclists. The problem are those that speed between cars (either at 20mph or at 75), cut cars off, do wh... read more

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