CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – The state is expanding its motorcycle safety program in response to a sharp increase in fatalities.

Motorcycle-related deaths in New Hampshire increased from three in 2003, to 29 in 2004 and 42 last year. Virginia Beecher, director of the state Division of Motor Vehicles called the increases devastating.

The division has 65 instructors but is recruiting more to run classes across the state.