Virginia SOB deaths up so far this year

It's Motorcycle Awareness Month, but someone apparently didn't get the word out to all the motorcyclists.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles released a short statement yesterday saying that 19 riders have died so far this year, a 27 percent hike from the same January to May figure in 2009. Four deaths went down last weekend, all single-vehicle wrecks with the rider officially at fault.

The statement doesn't delve further into the causes, nor does it give specifics. It did say the top three causes of 2009 wrecks were speeding, following too close and crashes caused by trying to avoid other vehicles. It also says it's bothersome that the statistics are so high, considering January and February were not conducive to riding.

"Riding a motorcycle requires extra caution and concentration, and the proper training," said Virginia Highway Safety Office director John Saunders. "Helmets, eye protection and the right protective clothing -- coupled with training -- can make motorcycle riding a fun and exciting experience."

The Virginia Rider Training Program -- the folks that monitor and authorize motorcycle safety courses and schools and train instructors -- offers motorcycle classes for both beginning and experienced riders. Locally, you can find them at Albemarle High School, the Rider's Edge Program at Shenandoah Harley-Davidson in Staunton and at the Central Virginia Motorcycle School at Piedmont Powersports, in Orange.