Deadly Start To Riding Season: 4 Fatal Motorcycle Crashes In 4 Days
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- For 2015, Minnesota has recorded the highest number of motorcycle deaths at this point in the riding season not seen since 1994, according to the Department of Public Transportation.
Most recently, four motorcyclists died in a span of four days, which brings the total number of motorcycle fatalities so far this year to 11.
Of the four deaths, three victims were wearing helmets, one was a passenger and only one of the crashes involved another vehicle. The four fatal crashes occurred from May 2 to May 5.
"With an early spring, we have had more riders on the road," State Patrol Lt. Tiffani Nielson said. "Riders and motorists should be alert and take steps to preventing crashes."
The DPS says rider error – like speeding and losing control – played a factor in several of the crashes this year.
In 2015 so far, there have been 106 traffic fatalities in Minnesota with 10 percent of them being motorcyclists.