NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Motorcyclists are dying on Tennessee roads. Law enforcement says the trend line is going in the wrong direction. One alarming statistic—crashing and a biker’s age have a lot in common.
On the sales floor at Mid Tenn Powersports , Johnny Pilarski was revved up talking about powersports. “I was probably about 5 years old whenever I got my first dirt bike.”
Over the years, he’s learned a lot about them. And, that includes the risk a biker takes getting behind the wheel. “You know it can be your last time getting on,” said Pilarski.
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More motorcyclists died on Tennessee roads in 2023 than in 2022. And that upsetting trend line has law enforcement on high alert.
“Fatalities are going up,” said Lt. Bill Miller, Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Lt. Miller said the numbers are stark. Younger motorcyclists are crashing far more often than older drivers. “25 and under, you are more likely to be involved in a fatal motorcycle crash. Almost 22% increased odds. 65 and older, your odds are just under 8%. So, we want to get that down much lower for 25 and under.”