09/23/2026
More motorcycles travel on Washington’s roads in the summer months than any other time of the year. Traffic safety officials are hopeful that fatal motorcycle crashes decreased in Washington for the second year in a row. In an ongoing effort to reduce these crashes, increased safety patrols will be visible September 25-27 during the 43rd Annual Oyster Run near Anacortes.
Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Anacortes PD, Island County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol will be working together to focus on illegal driving behaviors by both motorcycle riders and other vehicle drivers.
In the last five years (2021 through 2025) in Washington, motorcycles accounted for only 3 percent of the total crashes, but motorcyclists were 16 percent of all traffic fatalities (583 of 3,622). In 2023 alone, there were 142 motorcycle rider fatalities in Washington, the most in a single year in our state’s history. In 2024 we saw a 20 percent reduction with 113 rider fatalities. Preliminary 2025 data show another reduction with 103 motorcyclist fatalities on Washington’s roads. This is a 9 percent reduction from 2024 (113 down to 103) and a 27 percent reduction from 2023 (142 down to 103). While one motorcyclist serious injury or fatality is unacceptable, it’s hopeful to see this reduction.
“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 at WTSC. “One serious crash is too many, and knowing what’s causing these crashes, we must work together to improve rider safety on our roads.”
Motorcycle riders are vulnerable road users and over-represented in crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Compared to other types of motor vehicles, a motorcycle offers very little protection for the rider. Motorcycles don’t have the crash protection of a steel cage, seatbelts, air bags, and other modern safety features. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2023, motorcyclists were 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and can be difficult to see. Other drivers are encouraged to share the road safely with motorcycles, give them extra space, always drive sober, wear a seatbelt, follow speed limits, and avoid distractions.
Of the motorcyclists who died in crashes in the last 10 years, 35 percent didn’t have a valid motorcycle license endorsement, didn’t have a driver license, or had an unknown license status (342 of 984). Some of these fatalities were non-Washington residents. DOL reports that of the Washington residents who died in a motorcycle crash in the last 10 years, 40 percent were not legally licensed. In 2024 alone, this number increased to 54 percent.
Safe road users play a critical role in the ecosystem of our roadways. Skilled, trained and endorsed motorcyclists are less likely to be involved in serious injury or fatal collisions. In 2024, 101 of the 113 motorcyclist fatalities on Washington’s roads were known Washington residents. Of those 101 riders, 72 had no training on record. Trends indicate that training can reduce skills-based crashes, but traffic safety practitioners must also focus on improving behavior and decision-making to further reduce fatality and serious injury crashes.
“We know that a trained rider is a safer rider, and we encourage motorcyclists of all skill levels to seek out continuing training opportunities” said Robert Willis, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager with Washington Department of Licensing. “The better your skills, the more enjoyable your ride will be. Enhance your skills with beginner and advanced training courses.”
The WTSC’s motorcycle safety website, “Ride Safe, Ride On,” has a collection of resources including videos, blogs, training tools, and safety information designed to help motorcyclists and motorists learn how to safely share the road with each other.
Visit https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/motorcycle-endorsements for information about motorcycle license endorsements.
Visit https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-training-schools-and-testing-locations?type=Motorcycle to find a motorcycle training school near you.
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