RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia recorded the highest number of fatal motorcycle crashes over the past decade during 2017, according to officials.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles said 107 motorcyclists died last year on Virginia roadways– compared to 72 in 2016. That represents a near-50 percent increase.
The previous high was 90 in 2011.
“We are working every day to reduce traffic crashes and save lives on Virginia roadways,” Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine said in a statement Wednesday. “DMV, VDOT, Public Safety and Community Partners are urging motorcyclists and motorists to give their full attention to driving and following the rules of the road.”
There were 25 fatal motorcycle crashes across the coverage area last year, according to DMV’s data. Here’s a breakdown of the crashes by locality:
| Total Crashes | Fatalities | Injuries | |
| Accomack County | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| Chesapeake | 70 | 2 | 70 |
| Gloucester County | 9 | 0 | 8 |
| Hampton | 67 | 2 | 63 |
| James City County | 20 | 1 | 16 |
| Newport News | 77 | 6 | 66 |
| Norfolk | 87 | 2 | 80 |
| Portsmouth | 40 | 1 | 38 |
| Suffolk | 32 | 5 | 23 |
| Virginia Beach | 134 | 6 | 106 |
| York County | 25 | 0 | 22 |