Northwest Cycle Report

Washington Motorcycle Fatalities Down - WSP Takes Credit

By John Davis • Sep 16th, 2007 • Category: Rants

After a concerning start of the year, the Washington State Patrol reports motorcycle fatality collisions have decreased significantly over the summer compared to 2006. As of August 31, there have been 43 deaths resulting from collisions involving motorcyclists. For the same time period in 2006, there were 61 deaths.

In March 2007, the patrol noticed an increase in speed–related collisions involving motorcyclists. In an effort to reduce these collisions troopers focused their attention on motorcyclists who were driving under the influence, speeding, and driving negligently.

“It appears that riders got the message and slowed down,” said Chief John R. Batiste, “I am convinced that strong enforcement can make a difference.”

From April 2007 to July 2007, troopers doubled the amount of the arrests of motorcyclists who were driving under the influence and increased the amount of citations issued to those riders who chose to exceed the posted speed limit by two-thirds.

Of course, the lousy weather we had this summer compared to last and the resulting reduction in motorcycle riding had nothing to do with the decrease. After all, "strong enforcement," or maybe "selective enforcement," made all the difference.

John Davis is the owner, editor and publisher of Northwest Cycle Report. John also owns and writes for MotoSkagit.com and is the administrator for the Washington 120 State Park Tour. In addition to his own sites, John is a contributing author for MotorcycleLife.com and Motorcyclebloggers.com. He lives in Mount Vernon, WA and rides a candy-red Honda VTX1800 Retro.
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Jake 1 year ago 1 point
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I also say selective enforcement, more like harassment, pulling me over for because some one reported a black motorcycle speeding. How many black cycle are out on the road I said, he just said to me "say one more word you go to jail!" They are all about busting sportbike riders.

He held me for 30min then just let me go. grrr... I was mad!

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http://bikerpunks.com/

Jason Lewis 3 months ago 1 point
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The Washington State Patrol is taking credit for something they have nothing to do with. Maybe the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and it's classes could be responsible for the more cautious and responsible riding. Or maybe, just maybe, this year cars are actually looking over their shoulder and not trusting the blind spots in their mirrorsJust because the number of fatalities are down from last year has nothing to do with the way the State Troopers act and treat motorcycle riders. I have been stopped and held multiple times by different state troopers because i resembled a bike that was reported acting aggressively or a group of bikes who were "stunting". I am not saying all motorcycle riders act safe at all times, but I definitely see a change in attitude in all Washington State Patrol Officers when I am on a motorcycle rather than being in my truck. I believe the Troopers have stepped over their boundaries and should remember that not all riders are out on the rode to cause trouble!!!!!

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