Motorcycle Deaths, Injuries Spike in Minnesota

The number of motorcycle fatalities and injuries has spiked in Minnesota.

The Department of Public Safety says five people on motorcycles recently were killed and 28 others were injured.

The Star Tribune says four of the five riders killed were not wearing a helmet, a piece of safety equipment recommended by law enforcement, but not required in Minnesota.

Eleven motorcyclists died in Minnesota as of late May, and there have been 100 overall traffic fatalities in the state.

The Minnesota DPS reports that 60 motorcycle riders lost their lives in 2013, a nine percent increase from 2012.

Fatalities also rose in 2012, the first year since 2008 that motorcycle rider deaths went up.

Rider deaths accounted for 16 percent of Minnesota traffic deaths last year.