The number of motorcycle fatalities in Tennessee has jumped from 42 in 1998 to 148 in 2007.

"This steady increase over the past decade represents one of our greatest highway safety challenges," said Kendell Poole, director of the Governor's Highway Safety Office.

He added, "When you consider that one out of every nine deadly crashes last year involved a motorcycle rider, it is clear that drivers need to be extra cautious."

The warning was issued in connection with May being "National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month."

Approximately 275,000 Tennesseans are licensed to operate motorcycles.

"Motorcycles are becoming more popular, but cyclists must understand that riding a motorcycle is different than driving a car," said John Milliken, the state coordinator of Tennessee's Motorcycle Rider Education Program. "It's imperative that motorcyclists educate themselves by taking an accredited training course and never ride beyond their skill ability."

For more information about the Motorcycle Awareness Foundation of Tennessee, go to www.maft.us