The Washington State Patrol is using a special emphasis patrol to reduce the number of motorcycle fatalities.

During the special patrol, troopers will remind riders to watch for road construction, traffic congestion and other vehicles.

“With the price of fuel, we are seeing more motorcycles on the road,” said Trooper Keith Leary, public information officer for Washington State Patrol District 7.

Troopers will be working with the Highway 2 safety corridor project, Washington State Traffic Safety Commission and local law enforcement agencies to watch for speeding, DUI and lane travel violations.

From Jan. 1 to May 31, 2007, 19 rider fatalities occured statewide, compared to 22 from the same time period in 2006.

The average age of riders killed was 38 and all were male.

“The majority of accidents end up with serious injuries and (there are) fatalities once and while,” Leary said.

According to WSP, the main reasons for motorcycle accidents are driver inattention coupled with speed and aggressive driving.

“A lot of times, the driver is going to be the cause of the collision. They aren’t familiar with their bike,” Leary said.

Collision data shows that more than 60 percent of motorcycle fatalities are single-vehicle incidents, with most common causes being excessive speed, impaired driving and lane violations.



Training

The Washington State Department of Licensing offers two types of motorcycle training courses — novice and intermediate.

Novice courses are designed for riders with little to no riding experience and require a minimum of 16 hours of training.

Washington residents ages 18 and older can take subsidized courses ($125) and non-subsidized courses ($250). For students 18 and younger, the cost is $50 with parental consent.

Intermediate courses are for riders with about one year of riding experience and approximately 3,000 miles of riding with a motorcycle endorsement. The course is one day and costs $125.

In Washington state, riders must have a proper motorcycle endorsement through the Department of Licensing and pass a knowledge and riding test.

“With the laws recently passed, if you are stopped without an endorsement, your bike will be impounded and you can receive an infraction,” Leary said. “It can be pretty spendy with the impound and infraction.”

The WSP doesn’t want to single out motorcycle riders completely, Leary said. They are also watching other motorists as well.

With an increase riders on the road, motorists need to be more vigilant of their surroundings, he said.

“Look extra carefully at intersections and stop signs before you make lane changes, and double check blind spots,” Leary said.

Proper training and endorsements are not the only motorcycle safety precautions.

“Think before you ride the bike, don’t drink and drive and wear proper safety attire,” Leary said.

WSP has been asking riders to use headlights at all times, wear bright clothing and a DOT-certified helmet.

The Washington Sate Traffic Safety Commission also promotes ongoing safety tips throughout the summer.

“We don’t want riders to be surprised we’re watching for them,” Leary said. “It’s for their own safety — we want them to enjoy their motorcycles and ride safely.”

Although local law enforcement agencies have been working together to promote motorcycle safety, it’s ultimately up to the rider to ride safely, he said.

“Make the right decision,” Leary said. “The people who don’t are the ones who put themselves in compromised safety.”

To access more information about motorcycle safety courses and motorcycle endorsements, contact the Washington State Department of Licensing or visit http://www.dol.wa.gov.