In Less Than A Week, 5 Motorcyclists Have Died On Minn. Roads

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – State officials say five motorcyclists have died on Minnesota roads in less than a week, bringing the year's fatality total up to six.

The Department of Public Safety released a statement Monday cautioning drivers and motorcyclists to be careful as the motorcycle season continues this spring. Officials also advised motorcyclists to wear bright-colored gear and helmets.

Three of the recent fatalities happened on Saturday, and all but one involved riders who weren't wearing helmets.

In Blue Earth County, a vehicle collided with a motorcycle, killing the two people who were riding it. They were not wearing helmets. Meanwhile, a 53-year-old motorcyclist died in Goodhue County after he ran into a culvert. He, too, was not wearing a helmet.

Last week, a 46-year-old man died Thursday in Lac Qui Parle County when he flipped over in a ditch. He was not wearing a helmet.

Last Wednesday, a 23-year-old Blaine man, who was wearing a helmet, died after sideswiping a vehicle while changing lanes near Little Canada.

The first motorcycle fatality of the season happened a month ago. On March 15, a 53-year-old man died in Sherburne County after going off road and hitting a mailbox. He was not wearing helmet.

Last year, there were 44 motorcycle fatalities in Minnesota.