Port Angeles – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) urges motorcycle riders to slow down and utilize safe riding practices after three riders were injured and one was killed within one week in Jefferson and Clallam counties.

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), motorcycles make up four percent of vehicles registered in Washington but account for 17 percent of the fatalities and 18 percent of serious injury collisions between 2012 and 2014. Of those collisions, 75 percent were rider-caused.

On Sunday, June 17, 2018, at approximately 1833 hours, a 32-year-old Astoria, Ore., man was injured on State Route 113 near milepost two in Clallam County while passing a vehicle in a posted no passing zone. The unendorsed rider was traveling too fast for the roadway conditions and failed to negotiate a curve. The rider lost control of the motorcycle and was ejected, suffering a broken wrist and lower leg. He was transported to Forks Hospital and later airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Later that same day at 2009 hours, a 66-year-old Port Hadlock man was injured on State Route 104 in the area of milepost 12 in Jefferson County when a deer jumped into the roadway. The rider attempted to avoid the deer and lost control. He was transported to Harrison Hospital in Bremerton minor injuries.

On Tuesday, June 19, 2018, a 50-year-old Port Angeles man suffered minor injuries after crashing his motorcycle on State Route 101 near Lewis Road in Clallam County. A WSP Trooper measured the motorcycle’s speed at 124 miles per hour on westbound State Route 101. The rider turned north onto Lewis Road, lost control and left the roadway, coming to rest in a grassy field. The rider was cited for reckless driving.

The most recent collision occurred Thursday, June 21, 2018. The investigation is still ongoing.

According to WTSC, 5 percent of fatalities and 30 percent of serious injury motorcycle collisions involve excessive speed. Additionally, of all motorcycle fatalities, 91 percent involve male riders.

The Washington State Patrol encourages riders to abide by posted speed limits and to ride defensively, keeping aware of possible road hazards. For tips on motorcycle safety or information on motorcycle laws, visit the Washington Traffic Safety Commission website: wtsc.wa.gov.

District 8 serves Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties.