Road Salt, Sand and Gravel a Danger for Spring Motorcycling, Marion Shelter Insurance Agent Warns

After a long winter, motorcycle enthusiasts will be hitting the roads in surging numbers.

But, this time of year can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists with left over salt, sand and loose gravel before the street sweepers pass through, said Marty Owings, an agent at Shelter Insurance at 147 Marion Blvd. in Marion.

"A lot of young people especially with new motorcycles are excited to get on the road, but they don't always know how to handle it in these conditions," said Owings, who's had his business for a year and a half.

Last year was deadly for motorcyclists in Linn County and Owings said accidents spike this time of year. It's a good time to raise awareness for other motorists that motorcycles will soon be hitting the roads, and for motorcyclists to take precautions for their own safety.

Owings said he sees a sharp increase in people getting motorcycle insurance policies.

"This is the time of year to be thinking about motorcycle safety," he said.