INLAND EMPIRE - (INT) - Motorcycle accidents have taken a horrific toll across the inland region. Forty-four people have perished the past 12 months in San Bernardino County and 32 in Riverside County.

Local statistics compiled by Inland News Today found the death toll highest in the Victor Valley where nine people were killed since May 1st, 2014. Five more perished on winding highways in the San Jacinto Mountains. Eight motorcyclists died on the streets of San Bernardino and Colton.

Among the victims was an off-duty San Bernardino police officer who lost his life in a freeway mishap in Corona.

The California Office of Traffic Safety says motorcyclists make up 14 percent of all vehicle-related fatalities and it's increasing.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Authorities are responding wirth the accent on safety and education.

Story Date: May 5, 2015