Motorcycle safety begins with all of us: Law enforcement officials encourages all road users to share the road safely during and beyond peak riding season

CLARK COUNTY – Summer brings more motorcycles to Washington’s roadways than any other time of year. To help reduce serious injury and fatal motorcycle crashes, law enforcement agencies throughout Clark County, in partnership with the Washington State Patrol and supported by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), will conduct High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) patrols focused on motorcycle safety from July 10 through July 26.

During the enforcement campaign, officers will focus on dangerous driving behaviors by both motorcyclists and other motorists, including speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and other traffic violations that contribute to serious crashes.

Although motorcycles account for only 3 percent of all crashes in Washington, motorcyclists represented 16 percent of all traffic fatalities over the last five years (2021-2025), with 583 motorcyclist deaths among 3,622 traffic fatalities statewide. After reaching a record 142 motorcyclist fatalities in 2023, Washington experienced a decline to 113 fatalities in 2024, with preliminary 2025 data showing another reduction to 103 fatalities, a 27 percent decrease from 2023. While even one death is unacceptable, the downward trend is encouraging.

Clark County has experienced a similar positive trend. Motorcycle fatalities decreased from 10 deaths in 2023 to 9 in 2024, and 7 fatalities in 2025. While the numbers are moving in the right direction, every fatal crash represents a family, friend, and community forever changed.

“While most Washington motorcycle riders practice safety, the number of serious injuries and fatalities is concerning because we know these crashes could be prevented,” said Mark Medalen, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager for the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. “One serious crash is too many, and knowing what’s causing these crashes, we must work together to improve rider safety on our roads.”

Drivers can help prevent motorcycle crashes by:

• Looking twice before turning or changing lanes.
• Giving motorcycles extra space.
• Driving sober and distraction-free.
• Obeying speed limits.
• Always wearing a seat belt.

Motorcyclists can improve their safety by:

• Riding sober and within the speed limit.
• Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear.
• Staying visible to other motorists.
• Maintaining a safe following distance.
• Completing motorcycle safety training and obtaining a valid motorcycle endorsement.

Over the past ten years, 35 percent of motorcyclists killed in Washington crashes did not have a valid motorcycle endorsement or driver’s license. In 2024, 54 percent of Washington residents killed in motorcycle crashes were not legally endorsed to operate a motorcycle.

For motorcycle safety resources, rider education information, and training opportunities, visit the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s Ride Safe, Ride On campaign and the Washington State Department of Licensing motorcycle endorsement and training webpages.

About Target Zero

Target Zero is Washington State’s strategic traffic safety plan, dedicated to eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Through strong partnerships with law enforcement, community organizations, agencies, and residents, Target Zero works to create safer roads and support a culture of responsible, safe driving for all.