Tennessee Promoting Motorcycle Safety This Month

State officials are promoting motorcycle safety awareness month as motorcycle fatalities rise in Tennessee.

Thirty-eight motorcyclists have died in state crashes this year, up 31 percent from 2011.

Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons said unseasonably warm weather may be to blame for the increase. He said it’s important for motorists and motorcyclists to educate themselves, be alert and follow the rules of the road.

Motorcyclists and their passengers are required by Tennessee law to wear helmets. Officials noted that motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than passengers in vehicles.