A Concerning Trend
The Washington State Patrol (WSP), Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), and partner law enforcement agencies across the state participate in a statewide “Surviving Summer” campaign to reduce serious injury and fatality collisions during the state’s 90 dangerous days on Washington roadways.
The months of June, July, and August have become Washington’s highest consecutive 90-day stretch for traffic-related fatalities since 2018. According to the WTSC, more than 1,206 lives were lost due to fatal crashes each summer since 2018, with law enforcement responding to an average of more than 65 fatalities per month in June, July, and August.
Contributing Factors
- 90 Dangerous Days Fatality Collisions
*Statistics retrieved from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Safe Driving.
On average, the 90 days account for more than 30 percent of all traffic deaths statewide.
Those at risk are not just drivers, but also vulnerable roadway users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycle riders. Half of all motorcycle fatalities for the year occur during June, July and August. Additionally, July is when the greatest number of bicyclist fatalities occur.
The top contributing circumstances to those fatality collisions are:
- Excessive speed
- Impairment
- Distraction
WSP troopers investigated 301 fatality collisions in 2023 – 30 percent of which occurred during the summer months. Of those 93 summertime tragedies:
- 31 percent involved an impaired driver
- 25 percent involved occupants not wearing their seatbelt
- 72 percent occurred on a weekday
- 44 percent occurred between the hours of noon and 7 p.m.
Of the WSP investigated fatality collisions during the 90 dangerous days last year, the majority occurred on a Thursday, Friday, or Sunday.
Make a Difference
Plan ahead before you hit the road
Check for local traffic conditions and pack your patience – especially if you are traveling in unfamiliar areas.
Be on alert for our vulnerable road users
This includes pedestrians, motorcycle riders, bicyclists – we all share the road.
Focus on driving when behind the wheel
Always buckle up, adhere to posted speed limits, drive sober, and stay distraction free.
Secure all your items before you leave
Heading on a summer road trip? Make sure all of your belongings are stowed safely.
