With the forecast for warm and sunny weather this week, the Washington State Patrol expects an increase in motorcycles and likely, motorcycle collisions. Between 2010 and 2014, in King County, there were 70 fatal collisions and 420 serious injury collisions involving motorcyclists. Last year (2015), 72 motorcyclists died across the state. Six have already perished this year (2016).

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, although motorcycles make-up just four percent of the registered vehicles in Washington, they account for over 15 percent of the traffic fatalities (averages taken from 2011-2014.)

Statistics show that the majority of collisions involving motorcycles occur between late March and September. Many of these collisions, in the spring, involve riders that have not been on a motorcycle for several months due to winter weather. This inexperience is one of several factors that contribute to motorcycle fatalities.

Among the other factors that contribute to fatal motorcycle collisions are:

• Speed
• Impaired riding
• Lack of experience/endorsement
• Lack of legal helmet

Those traveling by car should be aware of the potential for an increase in motorcycle traffic. Not observing a motorcyclist is one of the causes of collisions involving motorcycles and vehicles.

The WSP urges those that will be traveling