SPOKANE, Wash. — Washington State Patrol announced increased enforcement efforts targeting motorcycle safety as warmer spring weather draws more riders to area roads.
The patrol will deploy additional troopers to watch for both reckless motorcycle riders and drivers who fail to share the road safely with motorcyclists. So far this year there have been three fatal motorcycle crashes in Spokane County.
“If you’re going to ride, ride safely, obey all the traffic laws, make sure you have all the proper equipment, make sure you have an endorsement and that you’ve gone to a rider education course,” said Sergeant Greg Riddell of the Washington State Patrol.
State patrol officials say many riders lack proper safety equipment when they take to the roads.
“People have to be wearing the safety equipment, you know, a tank top, a helmet, shorts and flip flops is not the proper safety equipment,” Riddell said.
Local motorcyclist Jenny Woodard emphasizes the importance of visibility as part of her safety strategy.
“I love to wear bright green because I like to be noticed. Even though my bike looks like a disco ball, it’s all glitter, I can blend in so I wear bright clothes. I keep my brights on high and I just pay attention to everything around me,” Woodard said.
The enforcement effort targets drivers as well as riders. Troopers will watch for motorists who endanger motorcyclists through inattentive driving.
“We’re also looking for those motorists that aren’t paying attention to the motorcycle riders. Maybe not checking their blind spots. Maybe, you know, pulling out in front of them or coming to abrupt braking in front of them,” Riddell said.
Woodard offers this piece of advice for drivers sharing the road with motorcycles.
“Motorcycles have a less visual presence than cars do. So when you go to take off or turn, you know, take that extra few seconds. Look left, look right, look left again,” she said.
State patrol officials stress that road safety requires cooperation from all drivers and riders. Officers will conduct traffic stops for both reckless riding and dangerous driving behaviors that put motorcyclists at risk.
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