Washington Sees Significant Decline in Motorcyclist Fatalities in 2024 Amid Renewed Emphasis on Road Safety
As May marks National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Washington state officials are cautiously optimistic about a notable improvement in motorcycle safety on the roads. Data released by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reveals a 23% decrease in motorcyclist fatalities in 2024 compared to the previous year—offering a rare bright spot in an era where overall road fatalities continue to be a concern across the state.
According to the latest figures, 110 motorcyclists lost their lives on Washington roads in 2024, down from a record-setting 142 fatalities in 2023. This decline is especially significant given that the 2023 toll was the highest ever recorded in state history. While the reduction is welcome news, traffic safety officials stress that even one life lost is one too many.
Persistent Risks Despite Fewer Fatalities
The decrease in motorcycle-related deaths is an encouraging development, but it doesn’t negate the broader challenges facing traffic safety in Washington. Statewide, transportation authorities continue to battle a troubling increase in serious injuries and fatalities across all types of vehicles.
Motorcycles, in particular, represent a disproportionate share of traffic deaths. Though they constitute just 3% of all registered vehicles in Washington, motorcyclists accounted for a staggering 16% of traffic fatalities between 2020 and 2024. This over-representation underscores the inherent vulnerability of motorcycle riders, who lack the protective features standard in passenger vehicles, such as airbags, seat belts, and reinforced vehicle frames.
“While most Washington motorcycle riders practice safety, the number of fatalities is still higher than pre-pandemic levels,” said Mark Medalen, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager at the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC). “This is particularly concerning because we know these crashes are preventable. One fatal crash is too many, and while we saw a reduction and are moving closer to our goal of zero fatal or serious injury crashes, we still have work to do.”
Human Error and High-Risk Behavior: The Root Causes
A closer look at crash data reveals that most motorcycle fatalities stem from preventable human behaviors. The leading factors in both single-vehicle and multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes include excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and distracted driving.
These risky behaviors endanger not only motorcyclists but all road users. State officials are emphasizing the need for all drivers—whether they are behind the wheel of a car, truck, or motorcycle—to take personal responsibility for road safety.
“Every road user has a role in ensuring safer travel conditions,” said Robert Willis, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager with the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL). “We encourage riders to ‘create their own safety’ by riding within their skill levels, staying sober and well-rested, checking their speed, and wearing all the appropriate safety gear every time they ride. A more enjoyable ride starts with being proactive about safety.”
The Stark Realities of Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcyclists face exponentially higher risks in the event of a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists were approximately 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash per mile traveled in 2019. Furthermore, they were four times more likely to suffer serious injuries.
This stark disparity stems from the lack of protective enclosures and safety systems that are standard in most cars. In a crash, a motorcyclist is far more likely to be thrown from their vehicle, suffer road rash, or experience fatal trauma.
Because of these heightened risks, state and national agencies continue to emphasize motorcycle-specific safety measures, such as advanced rider training, the use of high-visibility gear, and defensive riding tactics.
Empowering Riders Through Education and Training
As the warm, dry weather of late spring and summer brings more riders onto the roads, both novice and experienced motorcyclists are encouraged to invest in continuing education. Washington state offers a range of training programs for motorcycle riders through certified schools and community partnerships.
“Training saves lives,” said Willis. “Beginner courses help new riders understand the basics of control, balance, and road awareness. Advanced courses teach more seasoned riders how to navigate high-risk scenarios and sharpen their decision-making skills. These programs are critical to reducing crash risks.”
The WTSC and DOL also collaborate to make educational content easily accessible through their motorcycle safety campaign, “Ride Safe, Ride On.” The initiative includes a website loaded with blogs, videos, safety guides, and interactive tools designed to help riders of all skill levels improve their safety habits.
A Call to Action for All Drivers
Motorcyclist safety isn’t just a concern for those who ride—it’s a shared responsibility. The WTSC is urging drivers of passenger and commercial vehicles to remain vigilant, especially as the number of motorcycles on the road increases in warmer months.
Simple behaviors like checking blind spots, using turn signals, and allowing extra following distance can significantly reduce the risk of collision. Motorcycles often accelerate and brake differently than cars, and their smaller size makes them harder to see, especially in heavy traffic or poor lighting conditions.
“Drivers should always anticipate the presence of motorcycles and treat them with the same caution and respect as any other vehicle,” Medalen said. “Giving motorcyclists space and avoiding distractions behind the wheel are two easy ways to make our roads safer for everyone.”
Additionally, all drivers are reminded to obey posted speed limits, avoid impaired driving, and wear seat belts—habits that not only protect themselves but contribute to a safer driving culture statewide.
A Shared Vision of Zero Fatalities
Despite the progress made in 2024, traffic safety officials remain focused on long-term goals, including Washington’s Target Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2030.
Reaching that ambitious target will require continued collaboration between state agencies, local governments, advocacy groups, and individual road users. It also demands a cultural shift in how Washingtonians view traffic safety—not just as a set of rules to follow, but as a shared commitment to protecting lives.
“Traffic deaths aren’t just numbers; they’re lives lost, families devastated, and communities forever changed,” Medalen emphasized. “We can all do something—whether it’s wearing a helmet, putting away the phone, or choosing not to drive impaired—to move us closer to a future where no one has to suffer that loss.”
As National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month continues, the message from Washington state is clear: Every life counts, and every action matters. Together, through education, responsibility, and shared awareness, it is possible to create safer roads for everyone.
Ride Safe, Ride On is a motorcycle safety outreach program from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. We focus on making a positive impact on Washington motorcycle riders by promoting ongoing training, responsible riding and wearing all the safety gear, all the time.
