'Horrific': 32 motorcyclist deaths so far in Minnesota, twice last year's pace
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Minnesota is on track for one its deadliest years for motorcyclists, according to recent numbers from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
“They're actually horrific. I mean, we're looking at potential fatality numbers this summer that we haven't seen for a couple decades,” Mike Hanson, director of the Office of Traffic Safety, told MPR News.
There have been 32 motorcycle fatalities this year compared to 15 at the same time last year.
While an exact reason for the increase isn’t yet known, Hanson said there is an emerging trend his research team is seeing: more younger drivers between the ages of 20 to 29 years old.
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The three leading factors to crashes are speed, inhibition and inexperience, reflected in this younger demographic, he added.
Hanson recommended riders of any skill set should brush up on their riding via training courses at Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center.
“Riding a motorcycle, there's a great degree of freedom,” Hanson said. “But remember, your life matters, so please don't don't ride in a way that's going to make you a statistic.”
Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player above.
