On Feb. 28, The Chronicle staff reported that a “37-year-old Tacoma died Monday after crashing his motorcycle into another vehicle on state Route 508 near Cinebar, according to the Washington State Patrol.”
This leaves the reader to speculate about this motorcyclist carelessly crashing into someone. Further reading illustrates, the “SUV was turning left into a private driveway” at “about 4:45 p.m.”
Let’s call this what it is, a thinly veiled placement of blame, on the rider.
1. It’s irresponsible to place blame on the motorcyclist when no speed, or alcohol, or other factors are noted.
2. It’s illegal to stereotype motorcyclists in Washington state, which the article clearly attempts to do, in placing blame on the person who died, who, because he rides, is charged by the Chronicle to be “crashing into another vehicle.”
If you don’t have all the facts, then say so, but let’s not point the media finger at riders, just because they ride, without supporting facts. Especially with a fatality.
National data for 2020 show 2,741 fatalities involving a motorcycle and another vehicle. The data show 42% (1,158) of the fatalities were drivers turning left, in front of motorcycles who were going straight, passing or overtaking another vehicle.
Maybe, just maybe, you can consider doing a story on how to have better motorcycle awareness in our state.
Judging from last year’s sharp increase in motorcycle fatalities, motorcycle awareness in Washington is sadly lacking.
The 2017 Washington Motorcycle Safety Program Technical Assessment from 2017 from NHTSA and their recommended improvements show we have a lot more work to do.
Do better Chronicle.
Kim Adair
Legislative Affairs Officer
Key Peninsula Chapter
ABATE of Washington
