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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

Idaho motorcycle deaths fall 40% in one year; awareness programs credited

Idaho motorcycle deaths dropped by nearly 40 percent from 2010 to 2011, the Twin Falls Times-News reports. Here's the news item, via the Associated Press: TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) ― A study by the Governors Highway Safety Association shows that the number of motorcycle deaths dropped in Idaho last year, but remained consistent nationwide. Idaho Transportation Department analyst Steve Rich told The Times-News (http://bit.ly/KZNIBB ) that there were 17 motorcycle deaths in 2011, compared to 28 in 2010. The Governor's Highway Safety Association found that motorcycle deaths remained at about 4,500 nationwide. Stacy Axmaker, director of the Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program, says the drop suggests that efforts in motorcyclist training, motorist awareness and an emphasis on riding sober are working. The program offers skill training for riders of all levels. Axmaker says men older than 40 riding cruisers and touring bikes are more likely to be in crashes than young riders on sport bikes.



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

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