AAA warns of rising motorcycle deaths this summer

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – As the weather warms up, AAA Northeast is cautioning drivers to stay alert this summer and check their blind spots as more motorcycles hit the road.

According to AAA, as of 2024, the U.S. has seen the highest number of motorcycle deaths in decades, with 65 lives lost in Massachusetts.

Experts say a majority of these incidents happen between May and September, and involve a motorcyclist struck by a driver who did not see them. Mark Schieldrop with AAA Northeast, tells 22News, “We’ve seen a lot of bad driving behavior out there, so as a result, we are going to see an increase in crashes and fatalities that we see in passenger cars also when it comes to motorcyclists.”

AAA urges all motorists to practice safe driving behaviors—and motorcyclists to always use a helmet. The CDC says helmets are nearly 40% effective in preventing death, and 70% preventing a head injury.

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