Motorcycle fatalities continue to increase, making this year one of the deadliest for the Commonwealth in terms of biker-related deaths, according to Deborah Cox, public relations coordinator of the Virginia State Police.
Using data from the Department of Motor Vehicles, the state police noted 116 motorcycle deaths this year, an 87 percent increase in the number of fatalities that had occurred by this time last year, according to Cox.
Cox, along with the state police, took an in-depth look at the fatalities during October, finding that motorcycle deaths over the last five years were most prevalent in that month.
"Some of the common causes in the October fatalities were speed, running off the road, losing control and failing to negotiate the turn," Cox said.
The state police did not perform studies to investigate why there has been such a sharp increase in deaths, but Cox noted a 51-percent increase in general motorcycle ridership since 2002.
Although statewide statistics are alarming, they are not indicative of ridership on Grounds, according to University Police Lt. Melissa Fielding.
"Most of our traffic-related crashes generally tend to be minor incidents not involving motorcycles," she said. "Often times, speed and alcohol are factors."
Low speed limits around Grounds ranging from 15 to 35 mph help keep student riders safe, Fielding added.
In an effort to address the issue of motorcycle fatalities, Commonwealth officials have already taken initiative with the Highway Safety Challenge, Cox said.
"It is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Virginia State Police to improve traffic safety for all motorists by putting the challenge to people to cut the number of highway traffic fatalities," she said, adding that "it doesn't matter if you are on a bike or in a car, there are some basic steps we can all take to ensure the safety of all of us."
Daniel Llana, second-year College student and motorcycle enthusiast, said he would continue to practice safe riding techniques to decrease the chances of injury, but echoed Fielding's emphasis on safety.
"On Grounds, it is really safe, because the posted speed limits are generally low, and there is limited traffic flow," Llana said.
In general, however, motorcyclists should be aware of the danger they put themselves in at intersections, congested roads and major highways, Llana added.
"You have to drive defensively, because a minor accident could be fatal for bikers," he said.
Although supportive of the initiative of the Highway Safety Challenge, Llana said the Commonwealth could take several simple strides to aid riders further, such as making safety courses more readily available and affordable and promoting advertising campaigns to increase motorists' awareness of bikes on the road.
"If even one motorcyclist's life is saved, it would be worth it," he said.
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