The death of a 46-year-old Auburn man in a motorcycle accident early Sunday morning was the fifth fatal motorcycle accident in the state this year, according to the State Patrol.

Troopers say they are are alarmed over the high number of fatal crashes occurring so early in the year. Total motorcycle fatalities reached 75 in 2008, an increase of nine from the 66 in 2007. In all, State Patrol troopers investigated 584 motorcycle collisions in 2008 resulting in nearly 200 injuries and contacted 4,409 riders for high speeds.

Analysis of motorcycle crash data indicates that approximately 60 percent of motorcycle fatalities are single-vehicle incidents, with the most common causes being excessive speed, impaired driving and inability to stay in the lane. Approximately 40 percent of motorcyclists killed are found to be under the influence of alcohol, more than with any other group of drivers. In addition, approximately 34 percent do not have motorcycle endorsements.

With a distinct increase of the number of motorcycles on the road much earlier in the riding season, several new riders taking to the streets, and many old riders who have returned to two wheels, the State Patrol says it is targeting all aggressive and collision-causing riding.