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Every nine hours in Utah, there's a motorcycle crash, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. That statistic is illustrated by a number of dangerous and deadly motorcycle crashes in the past few weeks.
While there are a number of motorcyclists on the road wearing the right gear and following the law, there seem to be more cases coming to light with riders putting themselves and others in serious danger.
Three-year-old Dylan Stroud is slowly getting settled back at home. His mom, Carrie, said, "I guarantee you he could have been killed. It was very dangerous, very scary."
Sunday night, two motorcycles were speeding down the family's Herriman street when they lost control, hitting Dylan and a crowd of people at a block party. Today, Dylan's dad spoke with investigators about the teenage drivers. He said, "They've told us they were intoxicated."
Earlier that same day, a motorist took cell phone pictures on I-15 near Salt Lake, showing, what he says, were motorcyclists taking over all lanes of traffic, allowing friends to speed ahead and do tricks.
Utah Highway Patrol trooper Cameron Roden said, "We have gotten calls in the past, not just in this situation, but in several where people are out there popping wheelies on the freeway."
In Washington a news crew shot video of motorbike riders doing just that. And last year, an I-Team investigation shot video in the Salt Lake valley of a rider driving recklessly. UHP Troopers say this kind of behavior can net you a costly reckless driving ticket.
Starting in July, laws will become stricter for riders under 19 years old. If you're under 19 and want to drive a scooter or motorcycle, you'll have to get a two-month learners' permit before you get an endorsement on your license.
A motorcyclist we talked to said it makes sense to him. "People have to learn how to ride the bikes, you know," he said.
Another change for everyone: You can only drive a motorcycle or scooter with an engine as big as, or smaller than, the one you took your test on at the Division of Motor Vehicles.
A scooter driver in Provo says that's fine with him. He doesn't need a bigger bike. "I actually live in Spanish Fork, so I go to and from Spanish Fork all the time," he said.
These new biker laws take effect July 1.
But for motorcycle instructor Rob Nolan, who appeared on 'Talking Point' tonight, the key isn't necessarily new rules but better education.
Nolan says, "Sometimes laws that stipulate situations aren't going to fix what's behind our ears and what's underneath the helmet."
One of Nolan's big pushes is for the right safety gear. The majority of those involved in fatal motorcycle crashes were not wearing helmets, according to the Department of Public Safety.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
