WSP: Motorcycle deaths spinning out of control
The Washington State Patrol is growing alarmed over the spiraling number of deadly motorcycle crashes over the past year, and now troopers are vowing to crack down on speeding and reckless driving by motorcyclists.
A fatal crash early Sunday off Interstate 405 was the fifth deadly accident involving a motorcycle so far in 2009, only 7 1/2 weeks into the year.
In the latest crash, a motorcyclist was killed in the early morning hours on Sunday when his Harley slammed into a barrier while exiting from Interstate 405.
Troopers said the 46-year-old Auburn man was riding his 1986 Harley Davidson FXSTC north on I-405, then took the exit at Highway 169. He slammed into the barrier, killing himself and destroying the motorcycle.
He was pronounced dead at the scene with massive impact trauma from the crash. WSP investigators the motorcyclist was going too fast and lost control when he failed to negotiate the corner.
Troopers say the high motorcycle death toll so far in 2009 is a continuation of a trend that began last year.
Total motorcycle fatalities reached 75 in 2008, up 9 from 66 in 2007. In all, state troopers investigated 584 motorcycle collisions in 2008, resulting in nearly 200 injuries. Troopers contacted 4,409 riders for high speeds.
The WSP has been working with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the Department of Licensing since last fall in response to the growing problem of motorcycle fatalities in Washington state.
Motorcycle crash data indicates that roughly 60 percent of motorcycle fatalities are single-vehicle incidents, with the most common causes being excessive speed, impaired driving and inability to stay in the lane. A
Approximately 40 percent of motorcyclists killed were found to be under the influence of alcohol - more than with any other group of drivers. In addition, about 34 percent do not have motorcycle endorsements.
"The Washington State Patrol is proactively addressing reckless and aggressive driving issues, (and) motorcycles are no exception," said Washington State Patrol Lieutenant William Gardner.
Troopers said other factors at play in the increased number of motorcycle accidents are these:
- A distinct increase in the number of motorcycles on the road much earlier in the riding season
- Several new riders taking to the streets
- Many old riders that have returned to two wheels
"The State Patrol is making a hard-line effort to reduce injury and fatalities by targeting all aggressive and collision causing riding," the WSP said in a statement.
A fatal crash early Sunday off Interstate 405 was the fifth deadly accident involving a motorcycle so far in 2009, only 7 1/2 weeks into the year.
In the latest crash, a motorcyclist was killed in the early morning hours on Sunday when his Harley slammed into a barrier while exiting from Interstate 405.
Troopers said the 46-year-old Auburn man was riding his 1986 Harley Davidson FXSTC north on I-405, then took the exit at Highway 169. He slammed into the barrier, killing himself and destroying the motorcycle.
He was pronounced dead at the scene with massive impact trauma from the crash. WSP investigators the motorcyclist was going too fast and lost control when he failed to negotiate the corner.
Troopers say the high motorcycle death toll so far in 2009 is a continuation of a trend that began last year.
Total motorcycle fatalities reached 75 in 2008, up 9 from 66 in 2007. In all, state troopers investigated 584 motorcycle collisions in 2008, resulting in nearly 200 injuries. Troopers contacted 4,409 riders for high speeds.
The WSP has been working with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the Department of Licensing since last fall in response to the growing problem of motorcycle fatalities in Washington state.
Motorcycle crash data indicates that roughly 60 percent of motorcycle fatalities are single-vehicle incidents, with the most common causes being excessive speed, impaired driving and inability to stay in the lane. A
Approximately 40 percent of motorcyclists killed were found to be under the influence of alcohol - more than with any other group of drivers. In addition, about 34 percent do not have motorcycle endorsements.
"The Washington State Patrol is proactively addressing reckless and aggressive driving issues, (and) motorcycles are no exception," said Washington State Patrol Lieutenant William Gardner.
Troopers said other factors at play in the increased number of motorcycle accidents are these:
- A distinct increase in the number of motorcycles on the road much earlier in the riding season
- Several new riders taking to the streets
- Many old riders that have returned to two wheels
"The State Patrol is making a hard-line effort to reduce injury and fatalities by targeting all aggressive and collision causing riding," the WSP said in a statement.