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Two Motorcyclists Killed; Bike Week Death Toll At 12

Posted: 12:31 pm EST March 10, 2006Updated: 4:12 pm EST March 11, 2006

It was another deadly day for bikers in Daytona Beach and authorities said, with the weekend arriving, it's only going to get worse. Friday, two more bikers were killed. So far, a dozen bikers have lost their lives in accidents during Bike Weeks.

One of the accidents Friday happened on State Road 40 and Lake Wynona Road. The other motorcyclist was killed on International Speedway Boulevard. In both accidents Friday, charges are pending against the drivers who ran into the motorcyclists.

It was supposed to be fun, but for two motorcyclists Daytona Beach Bike Week became deadly. Gary Grooms lost a friend and his interest in motorcycles.

"I'll put it to you like this. I'm thinking about selling mine right now. It's my first time over here. It's just terrible," Grooms said.

Sixty-three-year-old David Hudson, of Lake Wales, died on the scene after being hit from behind by an SUV. He was wearing a helmet.

Just before that accident, another biker was killed on State Road 40 when a Stanley Steamer van pulled out in front of him and another motorcyclist.

The other biker was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries.

So far this week, a dozen bikers have been killed during Daytona Beach Bike Week and Halifax Medical Center alone has treated more than 30 bikers for injuries.

It's cause, some said, the event has gotten too big and too dangerous. Grooms wished he and his friend never came.

"There's just too much traffic, way too much traffic here for a motorcycle," he said.

The Florida Highway Patrol said they are brining more officers in for the weekend. They are going to have 10 motorcycle troopers in the Daytona Beach area watching both people on bikes and in cars.

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