Breaking News for Culpeper and Warrenton Accident Victims

Fairfax County Police Worried About Motorcycle Traffic

Posted on Oct 10, 2008

There have already been three motorcycle fatalities in Fairfax County this year. Fairfax County Police are worried about the potential safety issue that may arise when motorcycles are driven on roadways by inexperienced drivers. According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, motorcycle rider behavior and inexperience contributed to 80 percent of the 126 motorcycle deaths in Virginia last year.

This last summer, Scott Norman, a husband and father of two young children, lost control of his 2008 Suzuki on Herndon Parkway and slammed into a barrier. He was killed instantly. The police report states that he was traveling an estimated 77 miles per hour, which is more than twice the posted speed limit. Norman’s death was one of three this year.

Last month, Ryan Andrew, a 26-year old man from Centreville, lost control of his 2001 Honda and hit a curb on Fairview Park Drive in McLean. Andrew was thrown from his motorcycle, hit a tree and was killed.

Six months before that incident, Larry Schuler, a 44-year old man from Lorton, was making a right turn from Clay Spur Court onto Sunset Ridge Road in Centreville when he hit a parked car and ultimately died from his injuries.

Fairfax Traffic Safety Specialist Master Police Officer Bob Barton said "we are seeing a surge in people, some more experienced than others, commuting by moped, scooters and motorcycles, which can create safety concerns when mixing with other vehicles."

Fairfax County Police believe that higher gas prices are causing more people to use motorcycles instead of cars and trucks as these two-wheeled vehicles are more fuel-efficient. This trend has been seen across the country.

Fairfax Police have published an educational brochure on its website for motorcycle riders. The brochure is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov. There are also organizations that offer driver education, such as APEX Cycle Education, a private company that teaches motorcycle riders to properly ride.