With an ever increasing number of fatalities, motorcycle enthusiasts are trying to raise awareness of cycles on the roads and help lower the number of wrecks in various ways.

One way is street signs, and they seem to get attention, explained Concerned Motorcyclists of Tennessee (CMT) representative Scott McColpin.

“Dunlap is the first southeast town to get this, and we’re glad we were able to make it possible,” said McColpin.

Three signs will be posted on major highways in Sequatchie which read, “Look twice, save a life.”

He noted, CMT has found the use of street signs to raise motorcycle awareness helps lower fatalities. The majority of motorcycle wrecks are caused by car drivers pulling out onto the roadway without seeing the cycle coming.

“This reminds them to look twice and double check, because it is worth the extra second it takes,” he said.

According to statistics from the Tennessee Department of Safety, there were 61 motorcycle fatalities in 2009, and as of July 7, there have already been 68 fatalities.

Overall, this year, vehicle fatalities are up from 2009. In 2009 there were a total of 503 vehicular deaths reported, and from January 1 to July 7, 2010 the death toll is already one above that.

Road signs and other informative materials at Chamber of Commerces accross the state are being supplied by CMT through a $50,000 grant from the Department of Safety.

“It’s a good program and there are more and more motorcycles on the road who are put in danger, needlessly,” said State Representative Bill Harmon. “The economy has slumped a bit, but it will come back. And with that, you will continue to see growth in the number of cycles hitting the road.”

Harmon said, it is hard to determine which side of the economy has helped fuel the overall number of motorcyclists. Many have decided to ride motorcycles due to the high gas milage, while others will buy and ride motorcycles as a recreational activity when the economy rebounds.

“In either case, you will see motorcycles on the road, and you will need to be careful,” said Harmon. “As far as safety, this is a definite step in the right direction.”

Mayor Dwain Land said, if the signs that are posted save even one life, then all the work tied to them is worth it.

“These are lives we are talking about. We have to do something, and it’s time that people take the time to watch out for motorcycles,” said Land.

The mayor noted, with population growth, the chance for motorcycle and other vehicle incidents grows. He explained, since the 2000 U.S. Census, Dunlap has seen a growth change of 33.4 percent, the highest of Southeast Tennessee.

“Just be safe out there, and please watch out for others,” he said.