There are many reasons people enjoy riding motorcycles in northwestern Washington State: a greater connection to the outdoors; the fragrance of the air, woods, and grass; the feel of the wind on your body; and of course, the sound and power of your ride. Yet any motorcyclist should know that to experience all these benefits, there is some risk. Follow our motorcycle riding safety guide to lower this risk and improve your riding experience.
Statistics on Motorcycle Accidents in Washington State
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, 154 accidents involving motorcycles were reported from Olympia to the Canadian border from January 1 through August 21, 2024. [insert Figure]. And if you are involved in a motorcycle accident, the risk of serious injury or death is far higher than if you were driving a car, SUV, or truck.
The number of fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents has been increasing for the past 10 years, based on a study by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Fifty-four percent were related to impaired driving (by either the motorcyclist or the driver of another vehicle involved in the collision), 47% of fatalities involved excessive speed (45% occurred on roads with speed limits of 40 mph or less), and a disproportionately high number of fatalities occurred after 6 PM.
Despite the fact that the Pacific Northwest and eastern Washington State get a great deal of rain and these wet surfaces can be particularly slick for any vehicle, only 4% of motorcyclist fatalities occurred with wet or snowy conditions as contributing factors. Though the statistics don’t hint as to why this is the case, it may simply be that the demands of motorcycle safety keep experienced riders off the road when the weather report predicts less-than-ideal conditions.
Motorcycle Safety Is Your Own Responsibility
Regardless of whether you ride a two or three-wheeler, you must take certain actions to maximize safety and lower the accident risk. This requires a strong mental focus on safe driving. It demands careful attention to other motorists, ensuring your visibility to other drivers, maintaining situational awareness, and staying within your skill level. It includes avoiding peer pressure to ride in situations where you are uncomfortable, or that can be more dangerous. According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, "Sometimes being a good rider is recognizing when NOT to ride: you increase your risk significantly when you ride while you are angry, ill, or tired."
You can also lower your risk of serious injury in case of an accident by using appropriate protective gear and motorcycle-riding clothes.
Here's another excellent piece of advice from the Department of Licensing: Motorcyclists cannot rely on other vehicle operators to obey traffic laws. As a result, "you are always responsible for your actions and the outcome of your chosen actions." They offer this scenario: A motorcyclist is waiting at an intersection for a green light. The light turns green, but a vehicle on the left runs the red light, blazing through the intersection illegally. If the driver of the motorcycle does not check to ensure the intersection is clear before moving forward, a serious accident may occur. Is the other driver at fault? Yes, but it was the motorcyclist's responsibility to look for traffic before proceeding.
Making Sure You Can Be Seen
Motorcycles are less visible than other vehicles. Taking full responsibility for your safety involves wearing bright, reflective clothing so other drivers will easily see you. Ensure that your motorcycle's headlight is turned on and working well. This is a necessity for being visible to others on the road.
Another safety aspect that may not be given enough consideration is your riding position within a lane. This also may be an issue when riding two abreast in a lane. If you don't ride in the center of the lane, you may be in the blind spot of an adjacent vehicle (and don't count on a newer vehicle's blind spot monitoring system to see you!).
Assume that other drivers cannot easily see you; beyond wearing riding gear that enhances your visibility, this requires you to focus on defensive driving:
- Let other drivers know your intentions clearly—for instance, by using your turn signals early and ensuring your brake light is working optimally
- Drive with sufficient space between your motorcycle and other vehicles—when cruising and passing (and be sure there is plenty of space between your motorcycle and any vehicle following in your lane)
- Be vigilant and alert for road hazards ahead—for example, remains of shredded tires in your roadway or vehicles pulled to the roadside
- Constantly consider potential scenarios, like how would I avoid an accident if the person driving next to me cuts me off?
Training and riding experience is key to safe motorcycle riding. Our region's twisting, curvy roads offer some of the most memorable rides for motorcyclists. Improper cornering technique (along with excessive speed in cornering) is an important cause of motorcycle accidents.
Even if you have ridden two-wheeled motorcycles for years, don't assume you can get on a three-wheeled bike and make the same type of turns! There are significant differences between them, and even between those with two front wheels versus two back wheels. As a result, Washington State requires separate endorsements for two- and three-wheel riders.
Obtaining adequate training will give you the confidence to enjoy exhilarating northwest Washington road trips safely.
Contact Ranz Injury Law for more information or if you were in a motorcycle accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is the risk of fatality for a motorcyclist?
The National Safety Council cites the risk of death in a motorcycle accident as only 1 in 747, but this is 28 times higher than that for occupants of a passenger car. The risk of injury is four-fold greater on a motorcycle than in a passenger vehicle.
Are motorcycle helmets required in Washington State?
Yes, the state requires that all motorcyclists and their passengers wear approved protective helmets. They lower the risk of fatal injuries by up to 41%.
Is there a difference in riding/handling a three-wheel motorcycle with two front wheels versus two back wheels?
Yes, the centers of gravity are different for the two different types of vehicles (and are, of course, different than a two-wheel motorcycle). As a result, the way the two motorcycle types handle curves, windy conditions, or slippery pavement could be significantly different.
Motorcycle Accidents Do Happen
While following our motorcycle riding safety guide can lower your risk of an accident and improve your riding experience, accidents do happen. Call or text 206-429-5227 or contact Ranz Injury Law if you were in a motorcycle accident. Get a free case evaluation and the compensation you deserve!
Citations
- Ranz Injury Law – Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Federal Way, WA
- Washington State Department of Transportation – Crashes Involving Motorcycles, August 2024
- Washington State Traffic Safety Commission – Motorcyclist Fatalities, August 2024
- Washington State Department of Licensing – Motorcycle Operator Manual. December 2021
- Forbes Advisor – Motorcycle Accident Statistics & Numbers for 2024
- National Safety Council – Motorcycle Injury Facts, 2007-2022
