The recent quote from Trooper Brian George of the Washington State Patrol gathered more than a few comments. I contacted Trooper George and he generously provided me with his “talking points” regarding motorcycle fatalities.

They paint an interesting picture.

In addition to the following, Trooper George told me that “one point I like to really hit on is that most motorcycle fatality collisions are single vehicle collision, motorcycle leaves the roadway.”

So, here are Trooper George’s talking points.

Motorcycle Safety Talking Points (1993-2004 data unless otherwise stated)

• Motorcycle fatalities have almost doubled from 37 in 1994 to 73 in 2005.
• There have been 17 motorcycle fatalities year-to-date 2006 (as of May 24).
• Through May of 2005 there had been 22.
• Motorcycle registrations in Washington State have increased 60% since 1999. During the same period, fatalities have increased 89%. (The increase in fatalities is not just because there are more riders on the highways.)
• Motorcycle fatalities occur most frequently on county roads (38%) followed by secondary state highways (31 %) and city streets (22%).
• Most motorcycle fatalities are single-vehicle incidents, and occur during daylight, on dry roadways, between April and September.
• Most common driving errors in single-vehicle motorcycle fatalities are lane problems, impairment, speeding and inattention.
• Drinking:
• 40% of fatally injured motorcycle operators had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater.
• Alcohol and/or drugs are present more frequently in motorcycle fatalities than with any other vehicle type (pickups, automobiles, SUV, etc)
• 36% of the operators killed in motorcycle crashes are not properly endorsed.

Key Messages:

• WSP is taking a zero-tolerance stance on enforcing DUI and driver licensing laws. This includes motorcycles.
• Take an approved motorcycle training course.
• Get an endorsement.
• Don’t ride after drinking.
• Slow down.

Source of data: WTSC, DOL, NHTSA, FARS, Motorcycle Rider Safety Task Force