SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah bikers vented their frustrations about the state of driving safety in response to an unprecedented number of deadly motorcycle crashes.
The Deseret News reports a group of about 30 motorcyclists met with law enforcement officials Wednesday in Midvale to discuss what they want Utah drivers to be aware of while on the road.
According to the state Department of Public Safety, 25 people have been killed in motorcycle crashes on Utah roads this year.
Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Todd Royce says the number of motorcyclist deaths is on pace to set a record in the state.
The Riderz Foundation, a motorcyclist advocacy group, hosted the Midvale meeting. Several bikers called for higher penalties and better enforcement of texting while driving laws.
This is tough. Most motorcyclists are quite young. It is a wonder that
we have so few bicycle accidents when there are so many violations.
When an auto driver, say is east bound on 4th North and watching
traffic in the lanes, there is a likelihood they will not see a cyclist
pedaling toward them on the sidewalk. Even more alarming is the
number of cyclists who do not wear helmets. Of course the same goes for
motorized cyclists.