Washington Fatal Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Washington reported a total of 588 traffic fatalities for the year 2015, according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This number reflects a rate of 7.92 per 100,000 population, which is lower than the US average of 10.92. Motorcycle-related deaths make up 14 percent of the total with 77 for the year. This number is an increase over the previous two years but down from 2012, which reported 83.
A state helmet law in Washington requires all riders to wear a helmet at all times regardless of age. Because of this law, 72 of the 77 fatalities were wearing a helmet in the accident. Only five were either not wearing a helmet or were unknown. This total means a 95 percent helmet usage, which saved 43 lives for 2015. This rate is down slightly from the 100 percent in 2014.
The majority of people killed in motorcycle crashes for 2015 fall into the over 59 age bracket with 21 deaths. Only one person killed was under the age of 20. A total of 17 people were in the age range of 20-29. Fourteen victims were in the 30-39 age group and another 14 were in the 50-59 age group while ten victims were between the ages of 40 and 49.
More than half the counties in Washington reported at least one motorcycle fatality for 2015 with the majority reporting fewer than six casualties. Two counties had more than six but fewer than 16 while one reported between 16 and 25 deaths for the year.
King County tops the list with 18 motorcycle-related deaths for 2015, up from the 12 reported in 2014. Pierce County had 10, which was up slightly from the nine the year prior. Snohomish County had 11, which was a dramatic increase over the four reported in 2014.