MACON, Ga. — A fatal accident involving a motorcycle Tuesday night was the fifth motorcycle fatality in the county in the first three months of 2021.
The Georgia Office of Highway Safety says this marks a statewide trend, andon Macon motorcyclist calls these deaths heartbreaking.
Renata Outlaw has been riding "Painkiller" for more than 10 years.
"This is my baby," said Outlaw.
At first, she just wanted to ride, but now, it's a passion and a family.
Outlaw said, "It's bigger than just riding your bike. You're meeting other people. You're growing on other people, so you're adding to your family."
That's why Outlaw says losing Tyler Eason and Tyrone "Iceberg" Glover in two recent Macon motorcycle accidents really hurt.
"It's heartbreaking, it's heartbreaking," said Outlaw. "Because some of them I knew personally. I got to know their families, their wives."
So far this year, motorcycle fatalities statewide are running just slightly behind the first three months of 2020.
However, Macon-Bibb County has averaged just over four motorcycle fatalities a year over the past six years, and they've already exceeded that just in the month of March.
The Governor's Office of Highway Safety blames a combination of things: good weather, spring break travel, and more traffic as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Director of Law Enforcement Services for Governor's Office of Highway Safety Roger Hayes said, "As the pandemic has hopefully drawn down a little bit, there is more people out as well, getting out of their house and getting their vaccine."
However, Outlaw says it's not just because of the pandemic.
She says it's also because people aren't aware of bikers on the road.
"Drivers don't understand that if you're at a stop -- they say look twice, but I say look four times," said Outlaw. "It only takes a few seconds just to look back and forth to see."
Outlaw also says it could've been her, asking for people to focus on the road and not on their cell phones.
With all of the recent losses, the Middle Georgia Biker Coalition is going to host a Biker Blessing and Safety Awareness event at Capitol Cycle on Mercer University Drive.
It's on Saturday April 24 at 1 p.m.
Everyone is welcome.