AAA Nebraska says deaths from motorcycle crashes are up 71 percent through June.
Last year, 23 people died in motorcycle accidents in Nebraska. AAA Nebraska spokeswoman Rose White says 12 people have died in motorcycle accidents so far this year, up from seven at this time in 2011.
White says Nebraska’s mild winter is partially to blame. "For the first time in the history of Nebraska, we recorded a fatality during the month of January. With many motorcyclists out now for the last six months, we’ve seen a substantial increase in fatalities."
White says drivers should be on the lookout for motorcyclists, and not drive distracted. Also, she says drivers should always signal their turn and look over their shoulder to make sure there’s not oncoming traffic. White says motorcyclists should take a defensive driving course.
Prior to last year, the most motorcycle deaths recorded in Nebraska in one year was 31, in 1987.