More motorcycles are seen on Washington’s roadways during the summer months than any other time of year. More motorcycle riders are involved in serious injury and fatal crashes during these months.

In an effort to reduce these crashes, increased motorcycle safety patrols by law enforcement agencies run from July 31 through Aug. 16 in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties.

These patrols are focused on illegal driving behaviors by both riders and other drivers, according to a State Patrol media release. Approximately 20 law enforcement agencies in these counties, including the State Patrol, will be working overtime focused on drivers and riders who commit traffic safety violations.

These patrols are part of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s (WTSC) motorcycle safety education campaign known as “It’s A Fine Line”.

From 2011 through 2013, motorcycles made up just 4 percent of the registered vehicles on Washington’s roads, but accounted for almost 17 percent of all traffic fatalities (225 of 1327). Of these fatal motorcycle crashes, 53 percent were single motorcycle crashes where no other vehicle was involved, and 78 percent were determined to be caused by the motorcycle rider.

“Motorcycle deaths are not declining like overall traffic deaths in our state,” said WTSC director Darrin Grondel. “Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users who are over-represented in fatal crashes. We need to work together to end these tragic but preventable crashes.”

Driving under the influence (DUI), running off the road, and speeding are the main contributing factors in motor vehicle deaths. The WTSC and participating law enforcement agencies condemn profiling. Trained and commissioned law enforcement officers will be conducting these patrols enforcing traffic violations as defined by Washington State laws.

For more information on the “It’s A Fine Line” motorcycle safety program in Washington, visit http://itsafineline.com/.

These and all extra law enforcement patrols are part of Target Zero—striving to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030. For more information, visit www.targetzero.com. Additional information on the Washington Traffic Safety Commission can be found on the website, www.wtsc.wa.gov.