Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) Motorcycles are everywhere, so other drivers have to stay alert while they're on the road. But a new study says that fatal motorcycle accidents are on the way down.

A study by the Governors Highway Safety Association says that the number of Idaho people killed in motorcycle accidents last year dropped substantially from the year before. There were 28 motorcycle related deaths in 2010, but only 17 in 2011.

Cpl. Michael Wendler of the Idaho State Police says, "It seems that we've been working fewer motorcycle fatalities in this district. We had very few last year, but even one is too many. We had one just recently, about the last month or so."

If you want to ride a motorcycle in Idaho, you have to take some special training. The STAR program helps riders learn how to operate their motorcycles safely. The good news is the program seems to be working effectively.

SSgt. Dennis Pullin of the Twin Falls Police Department says, "People have attended these programs. It's going to increase their riding ability, which eventually is going to help them avoid getting in crashes. So hopefully that's why we're seeing a decrease in motorcycle crashes and fatalities."

Pullin says because motorcycles are smaller than cars, they're harder to see for some drivers. He says you need to look twice, and doublecheck your blind spots. Pullin also says to be aware of what's going on around you, whether you're on four wheels or more, or only two.

Wendler says, "One thing that we have seen is motorcycle crashes lately where riders are wearing proper equipment, leather clothing, and specifically helmets. And that has saved a number of lives, even in this area."

Wendler says the two things that cause motorcycle accidents are 1) Someone turning into or in front of a motorcycle, or 2) Doing something on a bike outside your skill level.

June 14, 2012.