Four people died in motorcycle crashes within seven days last week around North Dakota, while three other riders sustained injuries in similar crashes this week. The most recent incident happened early Friday morning when a Freightliner backended a motorcycle near Petersburg, pinning the biker, who sustained injuries, beneath the front bumper.
North Dakota Highway Patrol Lt. Jamie Huschka said "sometimes these anomalies just seem to happen," but "it's hard to predict the future" as the riding season isn't over yet. The four riders died June 30 and July 7, with the injury crashes on Sunday, Monday and Friday.
Huschka said that nicer weather brings out more riders, making more risk for crashes.
"It’s just kind of like the law of averages, so if you have that many more motorcycles on the road … it’s that many more motorcycles that could possibly and potentially be involved in a crash, just because there’s more of them on the road," he said.
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In 2017, North Dakota had 13 fatalities from motorcycle crashes, according to statistics from the state Department of Transportation. Ten of those fatalities had no helmet, while seven were alcohol-related.
"Alcohol-related means alcohol was present in some way," Huschka said. "It could mean either the rider or the passenger."
He said preliminary 2018 numbers show North Dakota has had seven motorcycle fatalities as of July 7 — six of which had no helmet, and two with alcohol involvement.
"Driving defensively and wearing a helmet are probably two of the most important things a person can think of before they hop on a motorcycle," said Huschka, who rides a motorcycle.
Lonnie Bertsch, executive director of American Bikers Aiming Toward Education of North Dakota and also program administrator of the North Dakota Motorcycle Safety Program, said North Dakota is a "pro-choice" state when it comes to wearing helmets on motorcycles. By state law, anybody younger than 18 must wear one.
Bismarck Police Lt. Jeff Solemsaas said rider safety also extends to vehicle drivers. Motorcycles can be smaller and hard to see, and drivers may not be looking for them, he said.
"The thing for motorcycles is they really have to be aware that most vehicle drivers flat out don't see them," the traffic lieutenant said.
Bertsch agreed. Motorcycle riders should drive as if people aren't looking for them, he said. Other safety measures include maintaining space on the roadway, obeying speed limits and being courteous. Riders also can sign up for motorcycle safety classes, for beginners or experienced riders.
"It really makes a difference," Bertsch said.
Motorcycle crashes make up less than 1 percent of all crashes in Bismarck, Solemsaas said. Last year, the city had 24 motorcycle crashes, with 10 so far this year, and no related fatalities since 2016.
According to NDDOT, the state has had 42 traffic fatalities so far in 2018. Last year, 116 people died in crashes in North Dakota.