Over the last few days, three motorcyclists died on the roads in the Inland Northwest.
On September 14, 45-year-old Johnny Pankoke of Athol was killed while riding just north of Hayden. On September 17, a 21-year-old died in a motorcycle crash near Fairchild Air Force Base, and another motorcyclist died on the road in North Spokane on September 18.
The deaths have left many to grieve and wonder why riding seems to be more dangerous right now.
Stacey Carson witnessed the deadly crash in North Spokane.
“I was kind of in tears last night when I saw that guy go down, it was rough,” he said.
Carson rides motorcycles and said it’s important for riders to slow down.
“The motorcycle riders have to realize that you have to watch your speed as well as watching the others drivers,” he said.
Washington State Patrol said as the temperatures begin to drop, many motorcyclists are trying to squeeze in as many rides as possible before storing their bikes for the winter.
“We want to get that one last thrill out, but that can all be done safely and without pushing those limits and putting other people in danger,” said WSP Sergeant Greg Riddell.
Sergeant Riddell also said that an increase in deadly crashes could be due to daylight getting shorter this time of year.
“Those motorcyclists could be coming out of nowhere sometimes. Just be vigilant,” he said.
He also encouraged motorcycle riders to think before they get behind the handles.
“We need to make sure that we’re obeying safety laws. We are obeying safety laws and speed limits and not putting yourself at risk,” said Sergeant Riddell.
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