Oct 13, 2008 7:20 pm US/Pacific
Motorcycle Deaths On The Rise In California
SAN JOSE (CBS 5 / KCBS) ―
According to the California Highway Patrol, 2008 is quickly shaping up to be the deadliest year for motorcycle deaths.
"The only thing in common is that they're all male, but even then, all their ages are varying as well," said California Highway Patrol Officer Todd Thibodeau.
In the San Jose area last year there was only one motorcycle related death, Thibodeau said. In 2008 so far, there have been 8 fatalities in Santa Clara County, not counting deaths on city streets. The CHP said there are more riders out there to save gas, more inexperienced riders and more powerful machines.
California's mandatory helmet law was enacted in 1992, although officials warn helmets alone will not protect you from a disastrous incident.
"The last motorcycle fatality we had the rider was wearing a helmet, D.O.T. approved, but he was wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops, not the type of riding gear you want to be on if you're involved in a collision," Thibodeau said.
Through September at least 332 bikers and passengers have died in motorcycle accidents statewide.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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