Motorcycle enthusiasts, as well as professionals who use them for their daily work, are well aware that despite their practicality, motorcycles come with certain road risks that commercial cars do not. The lack of bumpers, airbags, and other safety features leaves the rider more exposed to collisions in ways that cars, with their multiple safety systems, simply do not.
In the United States, it’s estimated that there are around 8.6 million registered motorcycles, which make up roughly 3% of all vehicles registered nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), despite this relatively small percentage, motorcyclists face a significantly higher risk of fatal accidents compared to drivers of other vehicles. This heightened risk is largely attributed to the reduced visibility of motorcycles and the absence of safety features like seat belts and airbags, which are standard in cars.
Spokane is not immune to the risks associated with motorcycle travel. The following data from 2023 highlights the varying severities of injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes throughout the city.
Accident Data for Spokane in 2023
3 Fatal Crashes
22 Crashes with Suspected Serious Injury
26 Crashes with Suspected Minor Injury
82 Total Motorcycle Accidents Reported
The three fatalities occurred at the following locations: US Route 2, near the intersection of E Nebraska Ave and N Perry St, and at the junction of W Francis Ave and N Winston Drive.
This statistic is significant, as Spokane’s motorcycle fatality rate is nearly equivalent to that of Seattle, despite Spokane’s lower population density and less traffic congestion. Such data underscores the serious risks associated with motorcycle travel, even in cities with fewer residents and less roadway activity. This comparison highlights the need for continued focus on motorcycle safety and preventative measures.
In 2019, there were 70 motorcycle accidents reported, resulting in 5 fatalities. Despite some minor fluctuations in the numbers, the overall trend remains upward.
Division Street & I-90
The area where Division Street becomes an entry and exit to I-90, a major traffic node, recorded the highest incidence with 7 accidents. Conditions do not fully explain this, as only one accident occurred at night, and four took place between noon and 3:40 PM.
On a Friday night in August 2024, a motorcycle crash occurred on eastbound I-90 at Division Street. WSP reports that the accident happened around 9:00 PM when a 22-year-old motorcyclist attempted to take the Division Street exit at high speed and failed to navigate the curve, highlighting the complexity of this entrance and exit.
Not only can daily activities lead to accidents, but also the irresponsible decisions of others. On August 1, 2024, at approximately 11:48 AM, a severe motorcycle accident occurred near Division Street in Spokane, Washington. The incident involved a 20-year-old motorcyclist who was reportedly racing with other motorcycles before the collision.
N Hamilton Street shows a high accident ratio with 4 incidents occurring within less than a kilometer, two of which caused serious injuries.
In 2024, the only fatality recorded so far was on the quiet N Rebecca St, on a Tuesday afternoon. As we see again, heavy vehicle traffic is not necessary to be involved in an accident. The only positive takeaway from this is that projections for this year indicate a decrease, both in total accidents and in the urban area.
Of course, I-90 is among the points of interest for motorcycle riders, with 6 accidents recorded during the year, 4 of which resulted in significant injuries.
Let’s remember that motorcycles are often used for traveling our national routes and exploring new places. This means that the victims can frequently be non-residents or locals visiting new cities. For example, this August, a crash at Kooskia on U.S. Highway 12 resulted in the death of a Spokane man and left a minor injured, illustrating that our hobby can often be dangerous. Both were wearing helmets at the time of the accident.
All traffic statistics provided by the WSDOT the and Washington Traffic Safety Commission