Motorcycle Deaths in Tennessee This Year Already Up Over 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn.Motorcycle related deaths are on the rise, even before the peak season. According to Tennessee Highway Patrol the crash fatalities are more than 25 and it is only four months into 2016. Last year, 2015 had a total of 20 deaths for the entire 12 months.

For Elliott Wiley and Michael Blackburn, it is freedom that drives them to hit the open road.

Wiley says, ""It's super fun, there's nothing like it. Second , of all it is about the brotherhood."

Blackburn says, "Kind of reminds of the brotherhood I had in the Marine Corps. A lot of the times, I do just take it easy. It's definitely not run it as fast as you can, because then you miss everything."

Now their missing their "brother," Shaun Lewis. He died last month in Mount Juliet after getting hit. Blackburn says just days says he rode in the same spot with him.

Blackburn, says, "Good brother, he taught me a lot, a lot of us riders we all buried him. He had a kid, and that hits home pretty hard because I've also got two daughters. You guys have a family just like we have a family. And we'd like to go home to them too. The more you pay attention, the better it is on everybody."

THP is paying attention to bike related deaths this year already surpassing 2015. Nationwide about half of motorcycle crashes involve a car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

THP's Sgt. Travis Plotzer says "They're more important than just numbers these are lives that are lost, families that are affected. That's why we take this very personal in keeping the number of fatalities down. It takes a toll on everybody."

Sgt. Plotzer says road safety is a responsibility for all parties driving and an increase in distracted driving plays a role.

Sgt. Travis Plotzer says, ""It's more than just texting, people adjusting their radio, talking to passengers, applying makeup, reading a book. When you take your eyes off the road a lot can happen."

Wiley says " It makes it really tough when you keep losing your brothers. If you can't see us. Hopefully you can pay attention and hear us to be a responsible driver out there on the road, is something that comes with the territory."

"We have to play the defensive part. It's a big risk when you go out there, " says Blackburn.

It's a risk they're willing to take to ride for Lewis in honor.

"I rode for him everyday, "says Blackburn.

The NHTSA says, 40 percent of motorcycle accidents happen because a car turns left in front of a bike. Bikers and car drivers have the same privileges and rights under state laws when it comes to the road.