WALLINGFORD, CT. (WFSB) – You may have noticed more motorcycles on the road lately.
Summertime is the most popular time for motorcyclists, but it’s also the time when the most motorcycle crashes occur.
The most recent crash happened Tuesday evening on Route 5 in Wallingford, where a 19-year-old man died. That rider makes up one of five people killed in motorcycle crashes in the state in the last week.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 19% of fatal crashes on Connecticut roads involved a motorcycle. That is 4% higher than the national average.
AAA is reminding drivers and riders to be safe so everyone makes it home.
Spokesperson Tracy Noble says that drivers need to put down their phones, avoid distracted driving, and give motorcycles space.
“I slow down and try to give them the right of way. I don’t want to bump into them at all or anything so slow down and give them a way to go,” said Jim Borger, Wallingford.
AAA urges motorcyclists to obey traffic laws, avoid weaving in between lanes and cars, and make sure that other drivers can see them.
“Drivers are not always paying attention. So they need to make themselves seen. That means even making eye contact with the driver,” said Noble.
She also wants riders to wear a helmet.
According to state data, 74 people were killed in motorcycle crashes last year. More than half were not wearing a helmet.
“It’s just another added layer of protection,” continued Noble.
In Connecticut right now, only people under the age of 18 need to wear a helmet on a bike.
But starting October 1st, that will increase to anyone under 21 years old.
The NHTSA also reports that speeding is a factor in about a third of traffic deaths.
Middletown police says that speed cameras are now up and running to catch motorcycle going too fast.
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