With a few more months left in Nebraska's motorcycle riding season, the Auto Club reported the number of motorcycle fatalities reported so far this year have exceeded the total of those reported in all of 2016.
As of July 24, traffic crashes have claimed the lives of 21 riders, the AAA report states. That compares to 20 motorcycle fatalities reported in all of 2016, according to the report.
Among the fatalities this year:
- 32-year-old Thomas Coffman died as the result of a motorcycle accident on April 27
- 75-year-old veteran Robert Swanson died as the result of a motorcycle accident May 9
- 45-year-old Jason Foreman died as the result of a motorcycle accident on May 16
- Adam Kammann, 34; Christine Zadina, 37; and Andrew Torrice, 24, died as the result of a motorcycle accident on June 10
- 40-year-old Bryan Muhlbach died as the result of a motorcycle accident on July 17
With up to four months still left in the riding season, AAA has issued the following reminders to all motorists:
- Stay alert and check twice for motorcycles before changing lanes, turning left, backing up, or pulling into traffic.
- Avoid distractions that take your mind and eyes off of the roadway.
- Never tailgate a motorcyclist. Give them extra space as they may need to make sudden lane changes to avoid potholes or road debris.
- Riders should consider wearing clothing that makes them standout in traffic, such as a reflective vest.
- AAA encourages riders to take a basic riders training course or an experienced riders course to help develop defensive riding skills. A list of the approved courses available can be found on the Nebraska Department of Transportation website.
