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PHOENIX -- Gov. Jan Brewer and state agencies are joining forces to help stop a deadly trend.

In 2010, there were 99 motorcycle-related deaths. In one year, the number spiked to 157.

"I see a lot of kids splitting lanes or acting goofy. It eventually gets them hurt," said Daniel Bartlett, owner of Arizona Victory Motorcycle and longtime rider.

The governor has called upon the Governor's Office of Highway Safety and Arizona Department of Transportation to develop a strategy to help combat the growing number of motorcyclists who are killed on Arizona roadways. The agencies have one year to devise a plan, however there will be a recommendation for more training and education.

"Education is especially important for these young riders, it keeps them from doing these dumb stunts," Bartlett said.

He added that learning defensive driving would help inexperienced riders learn how to share the road with careless drivers.

Sandra Haros , Reporter

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  • Abuse
    yrreta wrote...
    Make training mandatory for new
    February 19, 2013 4:53 am
    riders and periodic retraining for licensed riders. Don't let new riders buy 1000cc race bikes as their first bike might also help as well.
  • Abuse
    BkN_03 wrote...
    Offer FREE training
    February 19, 2013 6:25 am
    That may be one of the main reason these kids now a days are like that, I spent $385 on a 2 day training class and younger generation will not be able to afford that. So, if the training was FREE I bet you get more of the new b's and younger generation (and maybe older as well) trained PROPERLY!
  • Abuse
    cottoncandy wrote...
    oh jeez...
    February 19, 2013 8:42 am
    Natural selection happens for a reason! If someone chooses to get a bike (regardless of size of cc engine) and drives irresponsible, that is THEIR choice to put their life in danger. Motorcyclist end up killing themselves and very very rarely kill other motorists. That's them taking the chance. Mandating more regulation and fee/fines etc is just asanine control. It won't change the behavior.
  • Abuse
    Freecuffs wrote...
    Check reality! PART 1
    February 19, 2013 10:24 am
    Yes there may be a lot of inexperienced riders on the road right now and being in LE I do agree that people should have the correct training just like you have to do to get a DL and the permit etc. However you can't have some parent sitting on back of a motorcycle trying to train their kids, so I would fully support the state providing training or at mandating training.
  • Abuse
    Freecuffs wrote...
    PART 2
    February 19, 2013 10:24 am
    Fact is, supply and demand, if the state mandates it, the training facilities can charge a smaller fee. However, for the record on all of the bike, related collisions I would estimate that 80-85% of the time it was the other drivers fault, typically being on the phone or just not paying attention. When on a bike you have none of the other distractions that those do in autos.
  • Abuse
    Michoacan wrote...
    You are The Invisible Man when you ride
    February 19, 2013 11:29 am
    your bike. The only safe way to drive is to assume others are looking through you and be super defensive.
  • Abuse
    yrreta wrote...
    @cottoncandy
    February 19, 2013 12:10 pm
    You're right, rarely does any harm come to the driver of a cage, but what does figure in is the cost of medical and auto insurance claims. How does insurance offset increased claims, that's right, they raise everyone's rates, not just those who were directly involved. So ultimately we all bear the cost.
  • Abuse
    yrreta wrote...
    @BkN_03
    February 19, 2013 12:17 pm
    If they can afford the cost of a bike, insurance, fuel and maintenance, they can come up with the $385. And if they're getting a free ride from mommy and daddy, let them be responsible when junior looses control because he doesn't know how to brake and/or avoid a collision. On the other hand, if training is free, then we can all help pay the costs through higher taxes, or higher vehicle registration fees. Or maybe just raise the cost of a MC license to offset the training.
  • Abuse
    Rapture wrote...
    blaming the motorcyclist for distracted drivers??
    February 19, 2013 2:35 pm
    You are already require to prove your skills when you get your license endorsed, and I honestly feel like they are laying all of the blame on the motorcyclist for all of these accidents.
  • 1

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