Pacific/Wahkiakum Counties - As you travel to your summer destinations or just around the block, the Washington State Patrol would like to give you a couple things to think about to help keep everyone safe on our roadways. 

During this time of year, our roadways get very crowded with cars, trucks pulling boats, trailers, motor homes, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.  We have already had five fatal collisions in Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties this year and four of those were caused by operator errors.  Two of the fatal collisions involved motorcycles.  The causes include impaired driving, excessive speed, falling asleep to not knowing the equipment and its capabilities. 

 

Know your vehicle.  Understand your vehicle’s size compared to the lane width and know when you need to take a turn wide or how much you need to slow down for corners and curves.  Think about what you will have to do if there are bicycles riding down the edge of the lane (They do have a right to ride on the right edge of the lane.)

Know your capabilities and drive within your abilities.  Take it slow.  The speed limits and recommended speed limits are posted to give you a safe speed to travel our roadways.

 

Be aware of others.  It is a busy time of year and people are biking and walking more in the nice weather.  Be observant.  Pay attention to crosswalks and bike lanes.

 

Share the road.  Everyone is going somewhere and they want to get there safely.  Know the roads you are driving and give yourself plenty of time to get there.

     

This is the time of year when many drivers choose to ride motorcycles.  Unfortunately, we continue to see motorcycle riders involved in serious injury and fatality collisions.  Wear a DOT approved helmet and wear protective clothing.  Get your endorsement.  Do not drink and ride! 

 

If we all stay vigilant, watch out for one another and make good choices, we will all make it to our destinations safely. 

 

The Washington State Patrol is working toward a goal of ZERO fatal collisions on our roadways by 2030.  Only with your help will we be able to reach our goal of keeping all of you alive. 

 

Thank you, and be safe!