If you are getting married or graduating this weekend, congratulations! You have won the weather lottery. The forecast is nothing short of perfect: Sunny, clear skies, and temperatures will be in the upper-to-mid 60s. Classic spring.

The good weather is likely to draw more motorcyclists to the highway. If you do ride this weekend, be careful. Since the beginning of 2010, 19 motorcyclists have died in vehicle crashes in Virginia, a 27 percent increase in motorcyclist deaths from the same 5-month period in 2009.

This rise seems especially ominous since no one was driving anywhere for a week or so in February 2010.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles was concerned enough to put out a statement on the latest numbers, encouraging motorcyclists to take safety precautions.

“Riding a motorcycle requires extra caution and concentration, and the proper training,” said John Saunders, director of the Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office. “Helmets, eye protection and the right protective clothing – coupled with training – can make motorcycle riding a fun and exciting experience.”

DMV specifically mentions the Virginia Rider Training Program, motorcycle classes for new and experienced riders, held at locations around Virginia. I counted at least three classes operating in the Fredericksburg area.

Drivers of all vehicles also have a duty to stay alert for motorcyclists, just as we would for pedestrians and bicyclists, and anyone traveling without the protection of a cage of steel around them.

Half of fatal motorcycle crashes in Virginia involve automobiles, according to DMV.

“Before pulling out into traffic, changing lanes, turning, backing up or proceeding through the intersection, drivers are urged to look for motorcycles,” read the DMV statement.

A safety motto I’ve seen on bumper stickers is look twice, save a life. Basically, checking out your mirrors is not enough. Get a second over-the-shoulder visual before moving!