Iowa: 2007 Deadliest for Motorcycle-deer Accidents

Nine Iowans have died this year of injuries from motorcycle-deer collisions, setting a record for the state, according to transportation officials.

Scott Falb, a driver safety specialist with the Iowa Department of Transportation, said eight people died in motorcycle-deer crashes in 2006.

From 1995 to 2005, the state recorded 18 deaths from fatal motorcycle-deer crashes, he said.

Falb said the increase could be attributed to more people riding motorcycles. The number of Iowa motorcycle registrations went from 107,000 in 1997 to 146,000 last year ,a nearly 37 percent jump.

Transportation officials said the number of all motorcycle accident fatalities, including those involving other vehicles, has also risen. In 1996, there were 17 deaths, while last year there were 59.