Recent fatal accidents in Shenandoah National Park underscore an increasing trend in motorcycle fatalities in Virginia over the last decade. Between 2001 and 2009, Virginia motorcycle fatalities increased by nearly 62 percent-from 44 to 71. In the first six months of 2010, 38 motorcyclists were killed-a 19 percent increase from the first half of 2009. With the number of Virginian motorcycle registrations increasing, the number of motorcycle accident fatalities is almost sure to continue climbing.

To help prevent motorcycle accidents and deaths, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation provide the following motorcycle safety tips:

•Treat other motorists with courtesy and respect

•Drive defensively

•Avoid tailgating

•Be especially alert at intersections

•Avoid riding between lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic

•Pay attention to the road surface

•Maintain a safe speed

•Know and obey traffic laws, including ordinances in your community

•Avoid excessive noise by leaving the stock muffler in place or using a muffler of equivalent noise reduction

•Use signals when appropriate

Following these simple tips should aid in reducing the number of motorcycle accidents in Virginia. This reduction will hopefully correspond to a reduction in the number of preventable deaths, despite an increased number of motorcyclists on the road.

Unfortunately, accidents often happen, even when riders take all necessary safety precautions. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney in order to explore your options.