Motorcycle advocates calling attention at the State Capitol Friday concerning the staggering number of motorcycle fatalities this year.
It's already been a deadly start to the riding season, according to Mike Hanson with the Office of Traffic Safety.
"So far 37 motorcycle riders have been killed on Minnesota roads this year," Hanson says. "That compares to 24 at this time last year."
And overall, that represents the highest numbers they've seen in decades.
"If we stay on the same trend line that we're on right now, we will see around 90 motorcycle fatalities this year," Hanson adds. "That's numbers that we haven't seen since the late 80s and early-1990s."
So the message to other motorists is simple, says State Senator and motorcyclist Judy Seeberger.
"Put your phone down, give yourself enough time to get where you're going," Seeberger explains. "If you've been drinking, please don't drive and take another look when you're at a stop sign, or before you make a lane change."
She adds that there are other things riders need to do to stay safe:
"When you're stopped at a stop sign, look two-three times before you proceed," she said Friday. "You're looking for cars, you're looking for motorcycles, you're looking for bicyclists, you're looking for pedestrians, you're looking for stray dogs. You're looking for everything because you don't want to hit anything. We don't proceed until the way is clear."
Other tips to prevent accidents include using your mirrors, slowing down, and to absolutely wear protective gear.
