As the summer months approach us, officials are urging motorcyclists to be safe on the roads.

Motorcycle deaths are on a dramatic rise across the country.

The startling numbers have more than doubled in the past 10 years.

In 2006 alone, nearly 5,000 people were killed in motorcycle crashes.

Compare that to about 2,000 deathy in 1997.

The National Transportation Safety Board says head injuries are the leading cause of death.

"We know the laws a debatable whether you should or shouldn't have it on, and motorcyclists will debate that all the time, but it's clear as far as a safety issue and a safety factor, if you've got a helmet on and you were to crash on a motorcycle and you were to hit your head, the severity and likelihood the death is going to occur is very great," said Minnesota State Patrol Sgt. Mark Baker.

Besides wearing a proper helmet, experts say it's critical to wear gloves, over-the-ankle boots and eye protection.

On the flip side of all of this, motorists can help stop accidents from happening by keeping a safe distance behind the motorcycles.

Bikes can stop quicker than cars and trucks.

More on motorcycle safety:

Rider Training Program
The Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center offers a system of integrated training courses for riders of all skill and experience levels. New or returning riders should start at the beginning with the Basic Rider Course. Active riders may wish to start with a Street Smarts Riding Workshop or an Advanced Motorcycle Training course (ERC Skills Plus). If you have some experience or a motorcycle endorsement, a Street Smarts Riding Workshop will help you evaluate your skill level and decide which course is right for you. The MMSC recommends that all riders participate in at least one rider training course per year for the first three years, and at least one course every two years after that.

Phase 1: Basic Rider Training
The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is designed with the beginner in mind, but is a challenge even to experienced riders. Our curriculum and materials are supplied by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and our instructors are MSF-certified. The course includes both classroom and on-cycle instruction, with high-quality, personalized coaching and several hours of practice riding. We also provide the motorcycle, free of charge! Riders 18 and older can earn their motorcycle license by successfully completing the course. Click here to learn more.

Phase 2: Street Smarts Riding Workshop
If you are an active rider, beginner or experienced, boulevard cruiser or long-distance tourer, Street Smarts is an important middle step in your evolution as a motorcyclist. This course answers the question, "What do expert riders know that average riders don't?" Riders should take a Street Smarts course during their first year of riding, and once every two to three years after that. Street Smarts Plus and Street Smarts ERC courses are also available.
Click here to learn more.

Phase 3: Advanced Motorcycle Training
Whether they’ve been riding for one year or twenty, riders need to keep learning. That’s where the ERC Skills Plus comes in. Riders hone their mental strategies to a razor-sharp edge and practice advanced motorcycle handling skills on their own bikes. Certified instructors draw from student knowledge and experience to coach riders to success.

-- From Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center