‘Alarming’ number of motorcycle fatalities in first months of 2020, State Patrol says
Possibly enticed to speed because of lower traffic volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic, motorcyclists have been dying at a much higher rate in 2020, a spokesman for the Washington State Patrol said last week.
Twenty-five motorcyclists have died so far this year in Washington state, including eight deaths during the week of May 3 and 12 in the month of April.
“Starting off the year with this many is alarming,” WSP Sgt. Darren Wright said.
Some of those fatalities:
▪ About 4:45 p.m. May 5, John Schweitzer, 49, of Rochester was headed east in the 9200 block of James Road Southwest, Thurston County, when he lost control of his motorcycle, crossed the road’s center line and crashed into some trees.
▪ About 3 p.m. May 9, Eric A. Griswold, 55, of Lakewood, and his 45-year-old female passenger, were headed east on state Route 16 when he lost control of the motorcycle in the area of Burnham Drive near Gig Harbor.
▪ About 7 a.m. May 10, a 55-year-old driver was headed west, approaching Orting on state Route 162, when he crashed into a bridge abutment.
The state tallied 92 motorcycle fatalities in all of 2019, the most here since 1982, according to the State Patrol.
Most fatalities generally happen during July and August. Combine that with the number of fatalities already and 2020 could exceed last year’s totals.
“We’re not off to a good start,” Wright said.
The State Patrol is urging riders to follow the rules of the road and slow down.
“Enjoy your ride but stay safe, obey speed limits, wear safety gear, be visible to other drivers, pay attention, and always ride sober,” a news release reads.
Wright also encourages motorcyclists to take a course in rider training.
“Rider training is always a good idea,” he said.
This story was originally published May 22, 2020 at 5:45 AM.
