The number of motorcycle deaths in the United States increased dramatically in 2007 to 5,514 — almost one in eight motor vehicle fatalities, the New York Times reports.

That's a 6.6 percent jump over the previous year, but the numbers of motorcycle deaths have been increasing for a decade. Yet the traffic deaths for people in cars or trucks, on bicycles or on foot have been declining. Deaths in cars dropped 7.8 percent in 2007.

The statistics reflect increased motorcycle ridership at a time of high gas prices. Motorcycle riders can get more miles for their gas dollar than operators of cars or trucks — 50 miles per gallon in many cases.

"We have seen the total motorcycle participation in vehicle miles traveled go up," said Mary E. Peters, secretary of transportation and a Harley-Davidson rider. "We might see more people moving to that mode of transportation. We might see that data skew."

There are about 75 percent more motorcycles registered now than a decade ago, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Motorists need to be aware of this trend that is likely to continue as gas prices stay high.