Update: original article stated that 3 accidents occurred in Scottsdale, AZ. Article has been updated to display correct locations.

It’s a dreary Sunday for Motorcyclists in the Greater Phoenix area today. Not one, not two, but three motorcycle accidents happened in one afternoon. Three people were killed today as a result of these accidents. The first motorcyclist was killed around 12 pm, near Union Hills and the 101 Freeway. The 101 going West was shut down for a short time period after the crash. The identity of the driver is not yet released, and there are not many details about this particular incident.

Later on near Hayden Road and the 101 Loop another bike rider crashed. It is undetermined if this driver was speeding or not, but this was the only vehicle involved in the accident. It is uncertain if the driver was under the influence at the time.

Lastly, on the Carefree Highway and Twenty-Seventh Avenue a third bike rider ran into the median. It’s unclear if this driver was speeding or not as well, but the bump into the median was enough to make this accident fatal. Impairment in this incident is also not yet clear.

It just so happens to be the last day of Arizona Bike Week. Police thus far do not believe and of the riders were connected to Bike Week events. Bike Week has been in the area since Wednesday, and goes through the weekend. With events throughout the week, today wraps up with Factory Demo Rides, as well as live music at the HandleBar Saloon which is in the Scottsdale area.

In 2017 there were 165 motorcycle fatalities in Arizona. Some worry about the relaxed helmet laws in the state, but several factors contribute to these deaths. Speeding, impairment, obstructions in the road, poor judgement of other drivers and motorcycle drivers themselves all lend to this problem. However, wearing a helmet is almost 40% more effective in preventing fatal accidents, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Helmet use also prevents serious head injury or brain damage in upwards of 60% of accidents involving motorcycles. But some riders simply prefer to go helmet free and feel the wind in their hair.

It seems that at least two of the tree fatal accidents that happened today involved only one vehicle… the motorcycle. Officials urge drivers to obey speed limits, never drive impaired and remain aware of the drivers on the roads. In order to have a valid Motorcycle License, drivers must take certain classes, including safety courses. Even with these precautions, accidents do happen. For more motorcycle safety tips please visit https://www.bookmotorcycletours.com/news/motorcycle-safety-tips