Spike in Tri-Cities motorcycle crashes before Memorial Day has police worried
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Washington State Patrol reports surge in motorcycle crashes in Tri-Cities in May.
- Motorcycles represent 3% of vehicles but 16% of statewide traffic fatalities.
- Officials urge rider training, legal endorsements and proper safety gear use.
A hit-and-run wreck on Highway 240 earlier this month is part of a troubling trend on Tri-Cities roads, the Washington State Patrol said.
Adam Garrison, an avid experienced motorcyclist, was heading east on the highway when an SUV pulled in front of him, leaving him in intensive care for at least a week. Investigators spent days tracking down the SUV driver.
That was just one of six motorcycle crashes in less than 30 days, and WSP Trooper Daniel Mosqueda said that is a lot of collisions before the start of the summer.
With Memorial Day marking the beginning of one of the most dangerous periods for drivers, Mosqueda said the state patrol is concerned they may see even more motorcyclists hurt in the Tri-Cities.
Motorcycles make up 3% of registered vehicles on Washington state roadways, but accounted for 16% of all fatal crashes between 2020 and 2024, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission reported.
While there has been a dip in the number of deaths across the state, it’s still higher than it was before 2020.
“This is particularly concerning because we know these crashes are preventable,” said Mark Medalen, the commission’s motorcycle safety program manager.
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road, since bikes don’t have steel cages, airbags or seat belts, the commission said in a news release ahead of the holiday weekend.
Motorcycles also are harder for other drivers to see on the road, Mosqueda said.
Drivers are encouraged to leave extra space for motorcycles. It’s also important for drivers to be extra aware of what is happening on the road, as well as not speeding and driving impaired.
“If you’re driving, avoid distractions,” Mosqueda said.
He and the commission said motorcycle riders also can take steps to ensure their safety.
Mosqueda said more than half of the riders involved in the crashes in the past month didn’t have their motorcycle endorsement. Washington state requires motorcycle riders to demonstrate that they understand how to drive the vehicles in a process that is similar to getting a driver’s license.
Beyond being a legal requirement, the riders get training in the types of safety gear to buy. The state patrol is seeing an increase in equipment that “looks cool” but doesn’t have enough padding on the inside. It can pose more danger rather than making riders safer.
“We encourage riders to ‘create their own safety’ by riding within their skills, sober and well-rested, checking their speed, and wearing all the safety gear all the time,” said Robert Willis, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager with Washington Department of Licensing.
“Make your ride more enjoyable by enhancing your skills with beginner and advanced training courses,” he said.
The commission also maintains a website for information about motorcycle safety.
The Washington State Patrol plans to have more officers on the road this busy holiday weekend, Mosqueda said.
And there are plans for extra patrols targeting aggressive and speeding drivers, and participating in operations to catch distracted drivers.
“Our aviation section will be coming several times in the summer for patrols and our aggressive driving apprehension team is in full force now,” he said.
They’re also increasing efforts to educate people on how to drive safer.