WSP to conduct motorcycle emphasis patrol

MOSES LAKE — Washington State Patrol troopers will be conducting additional patrols along Interstate 90 June 23-25 to teach bikers and drivers about motorcycle safety. The patrols will span I-90 from Snoqualmie Pass to Spokane, according to a press release from the Grant County Health District.

The patrols are part of the “Target Zero” program, which is designed to reduce traffic deaths and injuries. State patrol troopers will be working with law enforcement agencies along the route, including Grant and Adams counties.

“The patrols will focus on illegal driving behaviors by both motorcycle riders and other vehicle drivers,” the release said.

Motorcycles made up 3% of the state’s registered vehicles, but accounted for 16% of all traffic deaths between 2018 and 2022, the GCHD release said. Preliminary data shows 132 motorcycle riders were killed in 2022, a 43% increase over 2021.

“While about two-thirds of fatal motorcycle crashes involved another vehicle, illegal and dangerous actions by the rider, including speeding, losing control in corners and curves, improper passing and and riding under the influence (of substances) were the main contributing factors cited in those crashes,” the press release said.