Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
April 16, 2010
Contact:
Trooper Steve Schatzel
Phone:
Cell: 360-449-7960
Pager: 360-906-2405
E-mail:
Steven.Schatzel@wsp.wa.gov
Trooper Clocks Motorcycle at 152 Miles Per Hour
Goldendale WA – On April 11, 2010 at 5:34 p.m. a Washington State Patrol Trooper stopped a motorcyclist for going 152 mph in a posted 60 mph zone, on SR-14 near Mary Hill.
The Trooper was working on SR-14 near Mary Hill when he observed a motorcycle traveling at a high rate coming towards him in the opposite lane. The Trooper obtained two radar readings of 152 mph from his forward facing radar, and a third reading of 151 mph from his rear facing radar after the motorcyclist had passed him.
The Trooper turned and activated his emergency lights and the motorcyclist pulled over. The motorcyclist was identified as Matthew M. Jackson a 39 year old, Vancouver resident. He was riding a 2008 Kawasaki ZX1400 motorcycle.
When asked if he knew how fast he was going Jackson stated “No idea, I just opened it up”. As the Trooper explained the ramification of hitting a deer or running into rocks in the roadway at that speed it appeared to the Trooper that Jackson understood the seriousness of the situation. Jackson was issued a $411 speeding citation.
Speed is one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatality collisions along with driving while intoxicated. “Eighty percent of fatal motorcycle collisions are now the fault of the rider,” said State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste. “Half of fatal collisions don’t even involve a second vehicle.”
The Washington State Patrol would encourage motorcycle riders to attend a motorcycle safety course, obtain their motorcycle endorsement, wear the proper protective clothing, ride within their skill level, do not ride after consuming alcohol and obey the speed limit.