Traffic safety remains a priority amidst increasing number of motor vehicle crashes
OLYMPIA, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and officials are hopeful that fatal motorcycle crashes decreased in Washington. As the weather gets warmer and the roads get drier, the Department of Licensing (DOL) and Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) are reminding drivers of all motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, to safely share the road.
According to data from the Washington State Department of Transportation, motorcyclist fatalities decreased in 2024 on Washington’s roads. In 2023, there were 142 motorcyclist fatalities, the most in Washington state’s history. In 2024, Washington experienced a 23% decrease with 110 motorcyclist fatalities. While one motorcyclist serious injury or fatality is unacceptable, it’s hopeful to see this reduction.
Traffic safety professionals remain concerned about the overall increase in motor vehicle crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatalities, and while motorcycles represent a small number of incidents, they also represent a disproportionate number of the deaths. In the last five years (2020-2024), motorcycles made up just 3% of registered vehicles on Washington’s roads and accounted for 16% of all traffic fatalities.
“While most Washington motorcycle riders practice safety, the number of fatalities is still higher than pre-pandemic levels. This is particularly concerning because we know these crashes are preventable,” said Mark Medalen, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager at WTSC. “One fatal crash is too many, and while we saw a reduction and are moving closer to our goal of zero fatal or serious injury crashes, we still have work to do to prevent these incidents and improve safety on our roads.”
Motorcyclists are over-represented in traffic fatalities because they are vulnerable road users that don’t have the steel cages, air bags, seat belts, and crash protection of other motor vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, per mile traveled in 2019, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash and four times more likely to be seriously injured.
Most crashes on the road are caused by human choices or errors. The leading causes of motorcycle fatalities (single vehicle and multi-vehicle crashes) are speed, impairment by alcohol and/or drugs, and distraction.
“We encourage riders to ‘create their own safety’ by riding within their skills, sober and well-rested, checking their speed, and wearing all the safety gear all the time,” said Robert Willis, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager with Washington Department of Licensing. “Make your ride more enjoyable by enhancing your skills with beginner and advanced training courses.”
Motorcycle collisions can cause serious injury or death to both driver and motorcycle rider. The WTSC’s motorcycle safety website, “Ride Safe, Ride On,” has a collection of resources including videos, blogs, training tools, and safety information designed to help motorcyclists and motorists learn how to safely share the road with each other.
Drivers are also encouraged to leave extra space and following distance around motorcycles, always drive sober, wear a seatbelt, follow speed limits, and avoid distractions.
Visit https://www.ridesaferideon.com/ and https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/motorcycle-endorsements for more rider education, testing, training, endorsement, and safety information.
About Ride Safe, Ride On
Ride Safe, Ride On is a motorcycle safety outreach program from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. We focus on making a positive impact on Washington motorcycle riders by promoting ongoing training, responsible riding and wearing all the safety gear, all the time.
Contacts
Mark Medalen, Washington Traffic Safety Commission, [email protected], 360-725-9878
Robert Willis, Washington Department of Licensing, [email protected], 360-688-3753
