By WPRO News and the Associated Press

A 29-year-old man has been killed in a motorcycle crash in Pawtucket.

Rhode Island Police say Carlos Carrasquillo Baez, of Woonsocket, was headed south on the Interstate 95 when he collided with another vehicle Thursday night.

Baez was thrown from the motorcycle and sustained severe head injuries. Police said he was speeding and not wearing a helmet. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

State Police Sargent Jason Lawton said a helmet “certainly could have” saved Baez’s life. The driver in the other vehicle was not injured.

It’s the 12th motorcycle death in Rhode Island this year. Last year there were five motorcycle deaths between Jan. 1 and July 31.

Lawton said a specific cause for the increase on motorcycle deaths isn’t known, but named some causes of past crashes.

“What that’s directly related to there’s no way to really tell, but speed seems to always be a factor, erratic operation, distracted driving, and in some cases, operating under the influence,” he said.

The state’s police superintendent says she encourages all motorcycle riders to wear helmets and asked other drivers to be watchful for motorcyclists. Lawton said State Police would be supportive of any legislation that requires motorcycle riders to wear helmets.