WSP: 12 Motorcycle Deaths On Washington Roads In April

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington state troopers are sounding the alarm after a dozen deadly motorcycle crashes on state roads in April. According to Washington State Patrol, last month's motorcycle deaths accounted for 12 of the 17 recorded since the beginning of the year.

Troopers point to lower traffic volumes, resulting from the governor's stay-at-home orders, leading to more frequent speeding, with motorcycles and cars often topping 100 mph on interstate highways and state routes. WSP said in one instance, a trooper clocked a vehicle driving at 192 mph.

The latest tragedies have increased WSP's safety concerns following a year when 92 Washingtonians died in motorcycle crashes — the highest number recorded in nearly four decades. Troopers said the leading contributing factors in last year's fatal crashes were speed, inexperience, and driving while impaired.

Careless behavior on the roads is not limited to motorcycles, and troopers have repeatedly cited vehicles for traveling far above the speed limit since the public health crisis began. However, motorcycles pose a higher risk to their riders, especially at unsafe speeds.

"Motorcycles also lack many of a car's safety devices such as seatbelts and airbags," state patrol wrote in a news release. "Even 'minor' motorcycle collisions can have major consequences."

Speeding is a leading factor in traffic deaths across all vehicle types, and troopers are pleading with all Washingtonians to slow down and save lives. Motorcyclists are encouraged to obey speed limits, wear safety gear, and make themselves as visible as possible to other drivers.