Washington Motorcycle Accident Rates Rise With Gas Prices

Did you know that the rate of motorcycle accidents rise right along with rising gas prices? According to the Washington State Patrol, motorcycle accidents and motorcycle fatalities skyrocketed in 2008, the same year that gas prices rose over four dollars a gallon across the state. Now, as gas prices rise again this spring, police are concerned that motorcycle accidents will go up again.

Why are motorcycle accidents and gas prices correlated? Many believe that high gas prices encourage those with motorcycles to choose riding their bikes over using their larger, gas-guzzling cars or pickup trucks. In addition, many people concerned with higher commuting costs may go buy a new bike and hit the road on a motorcycle without having much experience or knowledge. The result is that there are more motorcycles on the road and more inexperienced motorcycle riders on the road.

Just this week, police and EMT responded to a deadly motorcycle crash on I-90 in Seattle, where a couple on a motorcycle crashed while negotiating an off-ramp. The driver of the motorcycle was killed, while the passenger was critically injured.

What can we do to prevent motorcycle accidents in Washington State, even when gas prices are high? Those who ride motorcycles should be sure to follow all traffic laws and take a training course if they haven’t already. Those who drive cars and trucks should be aware that more bikes will be on the road in coming months.