Western Washington saw at least three fatal accidents over the weekend, law enforcement told reporters. Of the three separate fatalities, at least two involved motorcycles.
According to the authorities, these accidents are part of a trend, as they are seeing a considerable amount of traffic collisions since the state’s stay-at-home order was issued.
“What we’re seeing is definitely an uptick in cars out there,” a Washington State Patrol trooper told reporters.
Unfortunately, he added, the fact fewer people are driving to work makes the empty roads tempting to drivers and motorcycle riders who want to speed.
“The roads are open, people are going a little faster, but that also creates a dangerous environment,” he concluded.
Of the three different fatal accidents, two happened in Pierce County.
In Orting, a speeding motorcyclist on a Harley-Davidson lost control of his motorcycle while going around a corner, slamming into a bridge abutment. The impact threw him 100 feet off the road.
Officials said the man died at the scene.
Another motorcyclist crashed his vehicle over the weekend on State Route 16, where he was killed and his passenger was injured. After the collision, the road was temporarily closed.
WSP To Drivers: No Excuse For Speeding, Causing Accidents
On Friday, officials reported that a collision involving a speeding car in Snohomish County sent two people to the hospital, killing a third one.
To officials, the fact so many fatalities are being tied to speeding should prompt Washingtonians to think before choosing to put lives in danger.
“There’s absolutely no excuse to go that fast,” the WSP trooper told reporters.
As state officials maintain the stay-at-home order in place, troopers told officials they continue to monitor the streets, using the same number of patrols to enforce the laws as they did prior to the coronavirus crisis. However, they added, people are not respecting speed limits. This is causing an uptick in traffic accidents.
It’s time Washington residents take note of the risks.
Whether roads are clear or not, keep in mind that officials will pull you over for violating traffic rules.
Follow this link to read more on the accidents.
