Early warmth brings spate of cycle accidents

March's record-breaking warmth has brought motorcyclists out early, resulting in a string of fatal accidents in Eastern Iowa.

“People aren't watching for motorcycles in March,” said Phil McCormick of Clear Lake, state coordinator for the motorcycle riders' group ABATE.

Only one of the area's four fatal motorcycle accidents - there have also been two fatal mo-ped accidents - involved another vehicle. The rest have few common factors, although only one of those killed wore a helmet.

Last year, 35 people died in motorcycle accidents statewide, two of them in March, according to the state Department of Transportation. So far this month, three motorcycle riders and one passenger have died in Linn County, one in Johnson.

Not included in the motorcycle total are Randy Williams, 57, of Cedar Rapids, and Robert Leatherman Sr., 76, of Waterloo, who died Sunday in separate mo-ped accidents. Williams died after losing control near Ely, Leatherman after he ran a red light and collided with a car in Waterloo.

David Stutz, executive officer for the transportation department's Office of Driver Services, said motorists and motorcyclists share responsibility for safety.

“Drivers of cars and trucks have to keep in mind that motorcyclists are sometimes hard to see and should double check for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes,” Stutz wrote in an email.

“Motorcycle riders should dress to be seen in light colored clothing and check out the variety of protective riding gear that is now available.”

At least two more people have died in motorcycle accidents this month in other parts of Iowa, according to the department.

While June and July are usually the most dangerous months for Iowa cycle riders, research confirms early spring has its own hazards, said Nadia Gkritza, an assistant professor of engineering at Iowa State University who's authored several studies on motorcycle safety.

In analyzing data from the transportation department, “we found this pattern, that their skills become rusty,” Gkritza said.

McCormick said ABATE - it's an acronym for A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education - won't begin its spring/summer riders' education programs until late April, which in most years is near the start of riding season.

In the meantime, McCormick urged motorists to sharpen their awareness of motorcyclists, and motorcyclists to make sure their skills and reflexes aren't rusty.

“I know I'm real cautious when I go out in the spring,” he said. “If you haven't been riding, use a little caution and get your senses back.”