A bad year for motorcyclists in Idaho

SANDPOINT — The number of deadly motorcycle crashes is on a grim ascent in Idaho, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Preliminary data from the administration indicates there were 13 motorcycle-related deaths in the state between January and July, up more than 50 percent compared to the same time last year. There were just six fatalities during the first seven months of 2011.

Four of this year’s deaths have occurred on Panhandle highways, Idaho State Police say. The most recent occurred on Highway 200 near Clark Fork on July 24.

The number of deadly crashes involving motorcycles had largely declined from 2007 to 2011, according to the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety. The number of deadly crashes had also declined during that time frame.

There were 615 motorcycle crashes in 2007, compared to 489 in 2011, ITD reported. The number of deaths fell from 29 in 2007 to 17 in 2011, an overall decrease of about 39 percent.

Stacey “Ax” Axmaker, director of the Idaho Skills Training Advantage for Riders program, said that 70 percent of the fatal crashes between 2009 and 2011 were associated with rider error. Axmaker recommends riders learn, practice skills and wear appropriate gear when they ride.

“However, drivers are also involved in a significant number of fatal crashes, and they also need to be reminded to be aware of motorcycles, and remember to look twice and share the road with motorcyclists,” Axmaker said in a press release.

STAR training is associated with a 79-percent reduced crash risk and an 89-percent reduction in the risk of a fatal crash.

n Information: www.idahostar.org