Fatal Motorcycle Numbers Up In Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – State figures show fatal motorcycle accidents are up 13 percent in Illinois.

There were 131 fatal motorcycle fatalities in 2010. That figure rose to 148 accidents in 2012.

Illinois State Police says it’s hard to find a single reason for the increase, especially since overall motorcycle collisions are declining. Still, more people are riding as gas prices climb. In the past decade, there’s been a 57 percent increase in the number of registered motorcyclists in Illinois. Some experts say new riders may not be getting proper training.

Illinois is one of three states that doesn’t have a helmet law.