Just three months into a particularly deadly year for Hawai'i motorcyclists, O'ahu is already poised to exceed last year's total number of motorcycle fatalities.

Seven O'ahu motorcyclists died in accidents last year, the Honolulu Police Department reported. So far this year, six riders have lost their lives on O'ahu roadways, according to Advertiser records.

And concerns over motorcycle safety aren't confined to O'ahu. Two riders were killed in the past week on the Neighbor Islands, including one on Maui on Friday.

The year got off to a grim start on O'ahu with three traffic deaths on Jan. 1, including two separate motorcycle fatalities.

Just last month, HPD called on local drivers and motorcyclists to slow down and be aware of their surroundings in response to a surge in motorcycle-related accidents.

Two days later, Wesley Garcia of Wai'anae was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle and fell in the path of a school bus.

Last week, Simon Cesar, 19, of Hilo, was killed when the 2006 Suzuki motorcycle he was borrowing crossed the center line of Kipimana Street and struck a utility pole.

On Friday, 24-year-old Joshua Thurman of Lahaina died when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a guardrail on Honoapi'ilani Highway on Maui.

The deaths have caught the attention of local motorcycling communities, who emphasize that motorcyclists and other drivers need to share the road with caution.

"Motorcyclists need to slow down, take their time and not be in a rush to get where they're going," said Chris Laye, president of the local Harley Owners Group. "Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings, always their 6 o'clock (checking behind when changing lanes) and look who's around."

Laye, 38, said unstable gas prices and the rising popularity of motorcycles in general have contributed to greater numbers of riders on the highways, which in turn necessitates greater vigilance and responsibility by all.

"I would not necessarily say it's been a bad year; there has just been some misfortune," he said. "As long as people do the basic things like be aware and wear the proper protective equipment, (Honolulu) is as dangerous or as safe as anywhere else."