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-Advertisement-Mount Vernon, WA – Motorists can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence this weekend as safety patrols ramp up during the 42nd Annual Oyster Run near Anacortes, Washington. The patrols will be active September 26-28.
According to the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, the joint enforcement effort includes agencies from Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties, along with local police departments and the Washington State Patrol. Officers will be monitoring unsafe and high-risk driving behaviors involving both motorcyclists and other drivers.
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) reports that motorcycle fatalities dropped 20 percent statewide in 2024, down to 113 deaths from 142 in 2023. While officials say this decline is encouraging, motorcyclists continue to account for 16 percent of all traffic fatalities despite making up only 3 percent of registered vehicles.
“While most motorcycle riders practice safety, the number of fatalities is still higher than pre-pandemic levels,” said Mark Medalen, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager at WTSC. “We want to ensure that everyone enjoys the Oyster Run weekend and returns home safely.”
Authorities stress that motorcyclists face a higher risk of serious injury because they lack protective features like airbags and seat belts. National data shows they are nearly 29 times more likely than car occupants to die in crashes.
Drivers are urged to give motorcycles extra space, follow speed limits, avoid distractions, and watch closely for riders during the busy weekend.
