Wear a DOT-approved helmet or pay the price, says State Patrol

Published 9:59 pm Monday, June 22, 2009

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is stepping up enforcement efforts towards motorcycle riders who ride with helmets that are not Department of Transportation (DOT) approved and who are not properly endorsed.

Motorcycle injury and fatality collisions continue to rise, especially during the warm summer months when ridership is at the highest levels.

Chief John Batiste said troopers are working diligently to stop reckless motorcyclists who not only put themselves, but other motorists in danger.

“Rider’s have the power to save their own lives. Our job is to motivate them in that direction,” stated Batiste.

WSP will also be looking for riders who ride with helmets that do not meet DOT safety standards.

On August 10, 2008, a motorcyclist was killed on state Route 410 in the Greenwater area. The motorcyclist was driving 15 miles per hour at the time of the collision; however, he was wearing a helmet that did not meet DOT safety standards and died as a result of a head injury, according to WSP.

A few weeks later, another motorcyclist in the same area lost control of his motorcycle at speeds up to 80 mph and survived with only minor injuries.

He added troopers are finding an alarming number of riders who have not passed a motorcycle safety course and obtained the proper license endorsement.

WSP would like riders to know that if they are stopped and found to be unendorsed their motorcycle will be impounded.