May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and officials are concerned that fatal motorcycle crashes continue to increase in Washington. 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.
From 2018 through 2022, motorcycles made up just 3% of the registered vehicles on Washington’s roads but accounted for 16% of all traffic fatalities (484 of 3,044). In 2022 alone, preliminary data shows 123 motorcycle rider fatalities on Washington’s roads, possibly the most in a single year in our state’s history. This was a 32% increase over 2021.
“We are concerned about the increasing number of motorcycle rider deaths and we know that we can all work to prevent these deaths,” said Shelly Baldwin, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. “Drivers can watch out for motorcyclists. Riders can improve their skills through training. All of us can respect speed limits and ride and drive sober.”
While about two-thirds of fatal motorcycle crashes involved another vehicle, illegal and dangerous actions by the rider – including speeding, losing control in corners and curves, improper passing, and riding under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs – were the main contributing factors cited in these crashes.
“The Department of Licensing is committed to working with riders, training providers, and other agencies to improve rider safety in Washington,” said Robert Willis, Washington State Motorcycle Safety Program manager. “We help riders develop good decision-making habits through reoccurring training and knowing their limits, helping them create their own safety.”
With more motorcycle riders on our roads this time of year, drivers should remember to watch out for motorcycles. Before you change lanes, before you turn left, and before you pull out into moving traffic, look twice for motorcycles.
“Many of the motorcycle crashes we see in Washington could have been prevented by riders making different choices,” said Jesse Murphy, owner and coach at Cascade Motorcycle Safety. “May is the month for riders to make the choice to attend motorcycle training for more safety and more FUN this summer. There are many opportunities across the state for riders of all stripes.”
A motorcycle awareness and safety campaign called “Ride Safe – Ride On” promotes safe and fun riding through social media outlets. And DOL continues to use targeted social media messaging, as well as in-person rider outreach, to inform riders of the importance of beginner and advanced training, license endorsements, and creating your own safety.
Licensing Express 