Motorcyclists urged to take caution after 3 fatal crashes in a week

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A string of fatal motorcycle accidents this week has raised concerns during Motorcycle Awareness Month.

All three were single-vehicle crashes.

“I’ve got a next door neighbor here that lost his life,” said motorcyclist Kurt Husen, who said driver safety is tragically personal to him.

“Six or seven years ago, I’d say out on Highway 2, out by Roscoe Road, a single vehicle accident that happened in the middle of the night. Who knows? Just, you know, God only knows,” he said of the incident.

Three fatal motorcycle accidents over the last week, in Machesney Park, Marengo, and Rock County, Wisconsin, over the last week has Husen, president of the Northwest Region ABATE motorcycle advocacy group, concerned.

“Just watch the news here lately. We’ve lost several of them in two or three days. You know, and young lives in there. They’re over,” he said.

Experts say speeding is the single biggest contributor to accidents, with motorcyclists 28 times more likely to die in an accident, compared to those in passenger vehicles.

“Every day we need to be smarter, more cautious on our riding, especially in town. But then you get out of town and speeds increase. Obey the speed limits. I know everybody gets a little heavy on the wrist once in a while, but stay safe out there,” said Husen.

The difference could mean going home or going to the morgue, he said.

“For the bike drivers. It’s your life. It’s your ability to get out there and enjoy the road. But just be smart out there,” Husen said.

The National Safety Council says motorcycle deaths have increased 32% in the last 10 years.