Virginia Moves to Address Sharp Rise in Motorcycle Driver Deaths

With the number of motorcycle-related deaths sharply on the rise, Virginia officials are looking to improve safety.

The state is launching a program called Motorcycle 411 at its motorcycle training range in Richmond this week.

The event coincides with national Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day.

According to D.B. Smit, the governor’s highway safety representative, the program aims to improve not only the safety of motorcycle riders, but the awareness other drivers have of motorcycles on the road.

The timing of the safety program also coincides with a renewed boost in motorcycle ridership, thanks in part to high gas prices.

In 2007, there were 126 motorcycle fatalities in Virginia, nearly double the 70 deaths in 2006.