State and local traffic safety officials are taking the occasion of the Hog Wild biker event at Ocean Shores this weekend to caution motorcyclists to drive safely and warn than that law enforcement will be out in greater numbers than usual Friday through Sunday.
More motorcycle riders are killed or injured in crashes in summer than any other time, according to a news release from Susan Bradbury, a manager in the Target Zero program aimed at preventing traffic deaths.
The patrols will focus on illegal driving behavior by any vehicle operator. Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office, Aberdeen PD, Hoquiam PD, Ocean Shores PD, Westport PD and the Washington State Patrol will be working overtime focused on drivers and riders who commit traffic safety violations.
“Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users and continue to be over-represented in deadly crashes across Washington State,” said Undersheriff Brad Johansson. “These crashes are preventable and our agencies within Grays Harbor are working together to ensure riders safety during this event.”
These patrols are part of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s (WTSC) motorcycle safety education campaign known as “It’s a Fine Line.” From 2013 through 2017, motorcycles made up just 3 percent of the registered vehicles on Washington’s roads, but accounted for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities (378 of 2,550). Of these fatal motorcycle crashes, 53 percent were single motorcycle crashes where no other vehicle was involved, and 75 percent were traced to causal factors committed by the motorcyclist. Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and alcohol, speeding, and running off the road are the main contributing factors in all motor vehicle deaths including motorcycles.
“These motorcycle events bring thousands of people to our beaches,” Johansson added. “We want to ensure that everyone enjoys the weekend and arrives home safely.”
The Target Zero news release included these statements:
• The federal government estimates that, per vehicle mile traveled, the number of deaths on motorcycles is over 26 times the number in cars.
• In the last five years (2013-2017) in Washington, an average of 76 motorcyclists died each year.
• The common belief that most motorcycle crashes are caused by other motorists is inaccurate. In actuality, 75% of all fatalities are due to motorcycle rider error. When we break this down by type of motorcycle, sport bikes are over represented — 86% of their fatalities were rider-caused.
• Currently, motorcycles may be purchased and registered in Washington without a valid motorcycle endorsement. This contributed to the fact that from 2013–2017, over 1/3 of riders involved in fatal crashes were not endorsed to be riding a motorcycle.
