2025 Sees Another Drop in Motorcyclist Fatalities, but Ongoing Safety Risks Persist

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OLYMPIA, WA — May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and as the weather gets warmer and the roads get drier, the Department of Licensing (DOL) and Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) are reminding drivers of all motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, to safely share the road.

Motorcycle riders are considered “vulnerable road users” and over-represented in serious injury and fatal crashes. They are more exposed to crash forces because motorcycles don’t have the protection of a steel cage, seat belts, air bags, and other modern safety features. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists were 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash.

In the last five years (2021 through 2025) in Washington, motorcycles accounted for only 3 percent of the total crashes, but 584 motorcyclist deaths represented 16 percent of all Washington traffic fatalities. After reaching a historic high of 142 fatalities in 2023, there was a 20 percent reduction in 2024, with 113 rider fatalities. Preliminary 2025 data show another reduction to 104 motorcyclist fatalities on Washington’s roads, an eight percent reduction from the prior year. This is still well above the annual motorcyclist fatalities recorded in 2015 through 2021.

“While most Washington motorcycle riders practice safety, the numbers of serious injuries and fatalities are concerning because we know these crashes could be prevented,” said Mark Medalen, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager at WTSC. “Motorcyclist impairment and speeding are the two most common behavioral risk factors contributing to fatal crashes.”

Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, they can be difficult to see. Other drivers are encouraged to watch out for motorcycles, give them extra space, and avoid distractions.

Of the motorcyclists who died in crashes in the last 10 years, 35 percent did not have a valid motorcycle license endorsement, didn’t have a driver license, or had an unknown license status (342 of 984). DOL reports that, of the Washington residents who died in a motorcycle crash in the last 10 years, 40 percent lacked an endorsement or valid license.

Skilled, trained, and endorsed motorcyclists are less likely to be involved in serious injury or fatal collisions. Among motorcyclists killed in 2024 who were Washington residents, 71 percent had no training on record and 54 percent lacked a motorcycle endorsement. Training helps riders avoid high-risk situations and practice steering and braking safely in emergency situations.

“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 DOL. “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 and https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-training-schools-and-testing-locations?type=Motorcycle to find a motorcycle training school near you.

Multistate “One More Stop” Emphasis Patrol to Honor Fallen WSP Trooper

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Multistate “One More Stop” Emphasis Patrol to Honor Fallen WSP Trooper

Olympia, WA — The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) announce a multistate emphasis patrol in honor of fallen Trooper Christopher Gadd #927 beginning on Friday, Sept. 26.

Trooper Gadd was killed after being struck by an impaired driver on Interstate 5 just north of Marysville on March 2, 2024. Prior to the tragic incident, Trooper Gadd had messaged to his detachment members he was going to meet up with them for break after “One More Stop.”

After sending the message, Trooper Gadd’s dedication to the citizens of Snohomish County and Washington State was put on display.  Trooper Gadd pulled to the shoulder of I-5 just north of his detachment office with the intent of seeking out one more speeding driver, one more potential impaired driver – to make one more contact to prevent a future tragedy. It was then that an impaired driver traveling over 100 mph crashed into the back of Trooper Gadd’s patrol car.

In honor of Trooper Gadd’s dedication and sacrifice that night, WSP and WTSC will host an emphasis patrol titled “One More Stop” from 4:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29.

“This emphasis patrol is not just about enforcement, it’s about remembrance. Trooper Christopher Gadd served this community with honor, courage, and an unwavering commitment to keeping others safe,” said WSP Chief John Batiste.  “As we take to the streets in his name, we do so with heavy hearts and clear purpose: to carry forward his memory and ensure that his sacrifice is never forgotten.”

“Law enforcement officers work tirelessly to make our roads safer. We can honor them and keep them safe, too, by driving sober and following the speed limit,” said Shelly Baldwin, Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. “High visibility patrols are an important reminder that we each have the power to keep ourselves and others safe on our roads.”

In the spirit of Trooper Gadd’s strong work ethic and dedication, the statewide emphasis will have officers across the state working together, as well as regional participation from agencies in Oregon and Idaho, to conduct those traffic stops in his honor. These patrols reinforce the shared mission of reducing dangerous driving behaviors to save the lives of those traveling on our roadways.

Drive Safely on Washington Roads this Holiday Season

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Enhanced patrols on roads and highways begin December 13

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is asking Washingtonians to have a happy holiday season by travelling safely and responsibly on all roads and highways.

Law enforcement agencies across the state will have an increased presence on roads over a period from December 13 to January 1 to help remind everyone to drive safely. Patrols will be monitoring traffic for instances of impaired driving. Last year, 740 people died on Washington roads, with more than half of those fatalities involving alcohol or drug impaired driving.

Impaired driving due to alcohol or drug use is the top risk factor in fatal crashes. It is also preventable. Impairment begins at a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) than the current .08 legal limit. Reduced small muscle control (including eye focus), impaired judgment, and reduced alertness begin at .05 BAC. Before someone reaches .07 BAC, their crash risk has doubled.

Jack Fletcher is a safe-driving advocate whose life was changed by an impaired driver. In July 2014, he was hit head-on by a driver whose BAC was twice the legal limit. “I was hit head-on by a drunk driver. I was placed in an induced coma for five days and woke up to a new reality. I don’t ever call my crash an accident because accidents aren’t preventable. This was very preventable.”

“Most people drive sober, but the small number of people who drive impaired pose a serious risk to themselves and to all of us on our roads,” said Mark McKechnie, WTSC External Relations Director. “Everyone plays a role in making our roads safer. Talking with those closest to us and setting a safe example is a great way to get started.”

Everyone can help prevent impaired driving. WTSC offers some advice for holiday revelers before they get behind the wheel:

  • Designate a sober driver before drinking
  • Pre-plan the trip home by scheduling a rideshare or cab pick-up
  • Arrange for family or friends to stay the night after holiday festivities
  • Use public transportation
  • Call 911 if you see or suspect someone is driving impaired

Public policy can also prevent impaired driving fatalities. This coming year, the Washington State legislature will consider lowering the BAC limit for operating a motor vehicle from .08 percent to .05 percent to accurately reflect when impairment really starts. More than 84 percent of people on the planet live in countries that have BAC limits of .05 percent or lower because these limits effectively reduce the number of crashes and prevent traffic fatalities.

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