Showing posts with label state patrol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label state patrol. Show all posts

Washington State Patrol stops wrong way driver on I-5 Saturday morning

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Just prior to 4am on Saturday, August 13, 2016, a wrong way vehicle was reported on Interstate 5 in the area of 220th SW in Mountlake Terrace.

The vehicle was traveling southbound on I-5 - but in the northbound lanes.

Trooper Cliff Roberts paralleled the vehicle from the southbound lanes through Shoreline and north Seattle but was unable to get the driver to stop or even realize they were traveling the wrong way. The vehicle continued to Northgate and entered the express lanes.

Trooper Yarbrough accessed the express lanes and was able to successfully deploy spike strips near Mercer Street. The spike strips did their job and stopped the vehicle.

Trooper Roberts pulled in behind the vehicle and ultimately arrested the female driver for DUI. Trooper Mallory Reynolds processed the driver for DUI and subsequently booked her into the King County Jail.

This is a great example of teamwork by the Seattle North Detachments and the WSP Target Zero team. The three troopers mentioned along with others that were in the area put their lives at risk to prevent this wrong way vehicle from causing harm to other drivers. 
All of the troopers involved used their training, experience and decisive decision making to safely stop this vehicle.

The Washington State Patrol reminds drivers to maintain awareness and always have an escape route in mind if faced with a wrong way vehicle.



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Drove (boats) Hammered - Got Nailed

Friday, August 12, 2016

The WSP Impaired Driving Unit was out for Seafair boaters
Photo courtesy WSP

More than two dozen suspected impaired boaters were caught on Seafair Weekend thanks to Washington State Patrol Mobile Impaired Driving Unit.

Seafair weekend is a popular time for boaters to hit the waters of Lake Washington. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) works collaboratively with the Seafair organizers, the Mercer Island Police Department and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife to keep the waters safe for all water users.

During the Seafair weekend, 26 vessel operators, who were suspected of operating boats under the influence of alcohol and or drugs, were processed through the WSP Mobile Impaired Driving Unit (MIDU).
The Unit has all the technical resources
needed to process a suspected driver of boat or car
Photo courtesy WSP

Inside the unit were WSP breath testing technicians, communications dispatchers, and fingerprint technicians. The WSP employees worked to process the several dozen boaters.

Because of the combined efforts of all agencies involved there were no boating related fatalities over the weekend.

 Much of the WSP’s assistance was made possible through a grant from State Farm Insurance.



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Multi-agency response drill on ferry Hyak

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Photo courtesy WSP
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) conducted a multi-agency response drill aboard the Washington State Ferries vessel Hyak on Wednesday to test response capabilities.

Starting at 8am, the WSP responded to planned emergency response onboard the ferry boat which was located in the waters off Bainbridge Island.

WSP troopers, along with uniformed officers from the Bainbridge Island Police Department, the Seattle Police Department and members of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Border Patrol, took part in the four-hour drill.

Photo courtesy WSP

The purpose of the drill was to test multi-agency response coordination for potential critical incidents on a ferry boat. Approximately 50 personnel participated in the drill.

The Hyak was out-of-service during the drill. No passengers were onboard the ferry during the exercise. Regular ferry traffic was not impacted during the operation.

WSP says, "The drill was successful in preparing agencies for future emergency responses."


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Night of 1000 Stars DUI Enforcement

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Don't Drink and Drive

On Friday December 11, 2015, the Washington State Patrol (WSP), in cooperation with other police agencies, will continue efforts in combating impaired driving with their participation in the annual Night of 1,000 Stars.

This one night event symbolizes the 1,000 badges shining from officers who will concentrate their efforts on stopping driver’s who under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

The extra patrols are made available through grants from the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission and will include members of the WSP Target Zero Team, whose goal is to reduce fatal collisions to zero by 2030.

WSP troopers in King County (District 2) arrest, on average, 10-15 DUI’s on a Friday night to early Saturday morning.  Night of 1,000 Stars participants will work in coordination with other law enforcement personnel who continue to work holiday DUI patrols into 2016.

The WSP hopes that everyone has a safe holiday season.



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Drowsy driving is as dangerous as driving under the influence

Saturday, November 7, 2015

From the Washington State Patrol

Our troopers see it and hear it all the time. A driver telling a trooper after a collision, “I don’t know what happened, I must have fallen asleep.” These types of collisions are more common than one might think and just as devastating and dangerous as speeding, drinking and driving, or not wearing seat belts.

“Drowsy driving deaths are completely preventable if we all take the time to think twice before driving while tired,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “As the days are getting shorter, this is a good time to talk to drivers young and old about how deadly it can be to drive while tired.”

Drowsy driving has serious consequences. Between 2012 and October 2015, there were over 4700 collisions investigated in Washington State where the driver either fell asleep, was fatigued or both behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

People who drive tired or drowsy have impaired reaction time, judgment, vision, awareness of surroundings, and decision making skills. The warning signs of a tired or drowsy driver are trouble keeping eyes open and head up, difficulty focusing, yawning repeatedly, and missing highway exits or traffic signs.

“Drowsy driving is as dangerous as getting behind the wheel while under the influence,” said Chief John Batiste, Washington State Patrol. “A simple awareness by drivers can prevent them from getting behind the wheel tired and taking a life.”

Drowsy driving is such an important issue it prompted Governor Jay Inslee to sign a proclamation urging citizens to understand the dangers of drowsy driving and to join him in observing National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week from November 1-8, 2015.

Here are some simple tips for staying awake behind the wheel:
  • Get a good night’s sleep before hitting the road
  • Don’t be too rushed to arrive at your destination
  • Take a break every two hours or 100 miles to refresh
  • Use the buddy system to keep you awake and share driving chores
  • Avoid alcohol, drugs and medications that cause drowsiness as a side effect
  • Avoid driving when you would normally be sleeping

For more information about drowsy driving and how to prevent it visit DrowsyDriving or AAA Drowsy Driving.






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Washington State Patrol to conduct Move Over Law Emphasis Patrol

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Chief John R. Batiste announced the Washington State Patrol (WSP) will conduct an emphasis patrol state wide beginning October 27, to October 29, to bring increased awareness to the Move Over Law.

Between 2007 and 2014, 212 WSP vehicles were struck while conducting traffic stops or providing motorist assistance. Three troopers and multiple citizens have been injured in collisions over the last seven years, as a result of vehicles either striking the trooper or a parked emergency vehicle.

According to the Move Over Law, RCW 46.61.212, drivers approaching an emergency zone are required to either move over to another lane in the same direction, if it is safe to do so, or if a driver is unable to move over safely, proceed with caution and reduce the speed of their vehicle. 
Emergency vehicles include police, fire, medical, tow trucks and vehicles providing roadside assistance, making use of hazard lights.

This is a nationwide problem. In 2014, WSP troopers stopped over 4,000 violators of the Move Over Law.



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Washington State Patrol phone compromised

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) Headquarter’ s telephone was compromised. The WSP received 30 complaints from citizens stating they were called by someone who falsely identified themselves as a WSP trooper.

According to the citizens, the caller impersonating a trooper accused the citizens of various violations including outstanding warrants, unpaid tickets, and unpaid school taxes.

The WSP does not call citizens to advise of violations, warrants, or collect fines.

If citizens receive phone calls from someone stating they are a WSP trooper calling to collect or advise of fines, they should do the following:

  • Do not answer any questions
  • Do not agree to pay any fines
  • Do not share any personal information
  • Hang up the telephone

The WSP takes these acts very seriously and is currently working on a solution to remedy the problem.



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Laser scanner helps WSP open roads quickly after major collisions

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

The newest edition of the Washington State Patrol’s Good to Know video series features detectives using the latest laser technology to quickly clear roadways after an incident, ensuring driver and officer safety.

The Trimble Laser Scanner does the work traditionally done by detectives, but in about half the time and with only one operator. It scans items at the scene in order to recreate a 3-D version of the surrounding area which helps investigators determine the cause of the collision.

WSP uses the Trimble to reduce road closure time while still conducting a thorough investigation of the incident. The device can also be used at other types of crimes, such as homicides, to document the location of important evidence.

To learn more about how the Trimble is making lives easier for drivers and troopers, check out this edition of the WSP Good to Know Series.



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WSP launches online scheduling program for VIN inspections

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

From Washington State Patrol

The State Patrol is required to do VIN inspections on vehicles that have been rebuilt after being destroyed or declared a total loss by an insurance company. They also perform physical inspections as required on vehicles reported stolen, homemade vehicles, or other vehicles without a proper VIN, when there is a VIN discrepancy, when there is a record dispute, when ownership is in doubt, or other special cases as directed by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

If you are one of the many individuals who need a Washington State Patrol vehicle inspection, the process for scheduling just got easier. WSP is announcing the launch of an online program designed to streamline the process for scheduling a VIN inspection.

Better yet, the new system will help you determine if your vehicle needs an inspection at all.

VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, and is the unique number assigned to every vehicle by the manufacturer. While the state issues license plates, VINs are the one true identifier of every vehicle.

Previously, those needing to schedule an inspection needed to call by phone, leave a message and then wait for a return call to schedule the appointment. This year alone, inspectors handled over 47,000 phone calls. In the process, they discovered that many customers didn’t need an inspection at all. 

Now, customers need only go to the webpage and select VIN Inspection Schedule under “Hot Topics” on the right side of the page. The new page includes a great deal more information designed to allow vehicle owners to educate themselves on the VIN inspection process. We included a more detailed FAQ (frequently asked questions), inspection checklists and the links to online calendars.

With this new program, the WSP expects our phone calls to drop dramatically and our wait-time for inspections to decrease significantly over time. To make further improvements to this process, we welcome your contact with feedback and suggestions.


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Troopers don't need to be told to watch for dangerous motorcycle riding

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Responsible riders won't be statistics
Keith McGlashan and his ride

Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste did not issue a warning about an increase in motorcycle crashes with the coming good weather. Batiste did not order troopers to crack down on dangerous riding behavior. He did not exhort them to greater effort in preventing the kind of riding behavior that frequently results in tragedy.

Each spring with the arrival of good weather the State Patrol sees a jump in rider fatalities. Why would Batiste not tell his troopers to get busy?

“What order could I give that would be more powerful than their own experience investigating these completely preventable tragedies?” Batiste asked. “Troopers see these crashes first-hand. They help load injured riders in ambulances, and frequently have to make death notifications to stunned families.”

In other words, you can bet troopers will be cracking down on irresponsible riding behavior.

“I just don’t need to issue an order,” Batiste said. “Our troopers have their own personal and sometimes heartbreaking reasons for taking strong action.”

In 2013, 73 riders were killed in motorcycle collisions. In the majority of motorcycle fatalities, the rider is the causing driver. In about half, there’s not even another vehicle involved.

“This isn’t about clueless drivers pulling out of their driveways in front of motorcycles. Riders themselves have the power to change this horrible statistic,” Batiste said.

Just as with autos, speed and impaired driving are the biggest causes of death for riders. In particular, the desire to swoop through corners at high speed leads to riders losing control and leaving the roadway.

Inexperience is often significant contributing factor. Younger riders on sport bikes, and older first-time riders on big cruising bikes seem to be most at risk for losing control and crashing.


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WSP Reminds Drivers – Move Left for Stopped Emergency Vehicles

Monday, March 10, 2014

The Washington State Patrol is reminding drivers that state law requires them to slow down, and move left if safe, when passing emergency vehicles stopped beside the roadway.

Emergency vehicles include police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles with emergency lights activated.

The law went into effect in 2011, after a series of incidents involving not only police cars, but other emergency vehicles and the death of a tow truck driver.

“This law couldn’t be easier to comply with,” said State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste. “All you have to do is ease off the gas and, if it’s safe, ease to the left.”

Batiste added a caution, however, about sudden maneuvers intended to comply with the law. He stressed that simply slowing down and easing left is sufficient.

“We don’t want people making sudden maneuvers that could be even more dangerous,” he said.

Since the law went into effect, State Troopers have contacted more than 10,000 violators using a mix of education and enforcement to win compliance. Troopers report that most drivers understand the reason for the law once it’s explained to them.

Although failure to move left is a traffic violation, if the behavior is egregious enough to endanger emergency workers the conduct becomes criminal, and can result in a jail sentence.

Over the next few weeks, troopers statewide will be making an extra effort to contact violators they might observe in the course of other routine work.

“We’ve asked them to keep a watchful eye on their fellow emergency workers, and take action when they observe a violation,” Batiste said.


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Spend a virtual day with Washington State Patrol on Twitter and Facebook

Sunday, August 25, 2013


This Thursday is your chance to get an inside look at operations of the Washington State Patrol, courtesy of Twitter and Facebook.

WSP will present a #daywithWSP, tweeting events that are happening around the state in real-time.

Most people are familiar with troopers in white cars who respond to collisions and disabled vehicles. Less well-known are other WSP employees who play key roles in keeping the public safe on the roads, at their places of business and in their homes.

“We have great people, and want the public to see the entire depth and breadth of what they do,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “This will be as close a look as you can get without actually coming to work for us.” 

Although intended for every member of the public, next Thursday’s #daywithWSP might have special value for those contemplating a change of employment.

“WSP has some interesting careers and we are always looking for public service minded people to join us,” said Capt. Jeff DeVere, commander of WSP’s Human Resources Division. “Even if you haven’t been thinking about a career change, take a look. There are many places in our agency that offer challenge and satisfaction for people who want to be part of something special.”

Incidents or events that require more than 140 characters will first be tweeted, and then explained in more detail on the agency’s Facebook site. Nothing will be simulated, and the #daywithWSP will not be a compilation. Everything tweeted will have happened that day.

The 2013 edition of #daywithWSP will start at 6:00am on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013 and run until midnight. To participate, follow them @wastatepatrol or monitor the hashtag #daywithWSP.


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Trooper sent on a wild goose chase on I-5 in Shoreline

Friday, May 10, 2013

Updated 5-16-2013 9:53am

Mother Goose supervises as goslings leave the transport cage
Photo by Kevin Mack, PAWS

From the Washington State Patrol

Once again, warm weather brought baby geese back to southbound Interstate 5 in the Shoreline area. This time the geese were relocated to a safe location with the help of PAWS.

Wednesday morning around 9:30am, a relatively common sight returned to southbound Interstate 5 in the area of 145th Street. Two adult and seven baby geese were crossing the roadway in rush hour commuter traffic causing traffic to screech to a halt. Trooper J. Lauer responded to the area to help the geese off the roadway and noticed one adult goose had a visible injury to its wing. Trooper Lauer said the geese were less than happy to have his help and “began hissing at me”.

Headed for the water
Photo by Kevin Mack, PAWS

The geese were safely cleared from the roadway, but the injury to the goose and reality that the family would not stay out of the roadway for long had Trooper Lauer making some calls for assistance. He contacted PAWS, located in Lynnwood, and quickly received a positive response. Making a trip to rescue geese is not a common occurrence for PAWS but with the safety concern for the animals and resulting traffic issues they quickly responded to the area. Troopers and Department of Transportation vehicles slowed traffic on the roadway for the seconds needed to safely capture the geese for treatment and relocation.

Seattle area troopers will tell you that the goose family transport has been going on for years in this area. During the early morning commute baby geese and their parents will travel down southbound Interstate 5 on the shoulder, often traveling into the roadway. This goose “commute” is a danger to the geese and drivers in the area who are trying to avoid hitting the birds, and each other.

PAWS relocated mother and babies safely away from I-5
Photo by Kevin Mack, PAWS

Sadly, the injured adult goose was not able to be saved due to its injuries but the babies and mother were relocated to a safe waterway away from the dangers of Interstate 5 by PAWS.

PAWS is a champion for animals—rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, and educating people to make a better world for animals and people.


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Shots fired in police pursuit in Shoreline April 5

Monday, April 15, 2013

From the Washington State Patrol

At approximately 2350 hours on April 4, 2013 a Washington State Patrol trooper assigned to Snohomish County was on patrol on SR-99 near 196th Street in Lynnwood. We are told the trooper was attempting to stop an early model dark colored Mazda passenger car for a lane travel violation. The driver did not stop at which time a pursuit began. The pursuit continued south to N 175th street, then west on 175th a few blocks where it ended near two homes at the end of 175th. A second trooper (in his own patrol car) joined the pursuit. 

As the troopers attempted to get the man to stop, the driver plowed his Mazda into one of their patrol cars.

Both troopers fired their weapons, hitting the suspect at least once in the leg.

It is still under investigation if the driver was shot inside his car or if the shootings happened as he tried to run away from the scene.

The driver (suspect) was the only person in the vehicle.

The suspect was taken to Harborview Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the leg.  His condition was not life threatening.

Drugs/Alcohol may be factor and remains under investigation.

The troopers involved in the shooting will be on administrative re-assignment as standard procedure. They were not harmed in the incident, and no other innocent persons were involved.

Shoreline police were advised of the pursuit and were in assistance.


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Your Vehicle’s Identification Number (VIN) is unique

Friday, February 22, 2013

An inside look at the WSP’s VIN Program
From the Washington State Patrol

Some vehicles may look the same outwardly but they are actually very different because of their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Your vehicle’s VIN is a unique universal serial number. This month’s edition of the Washington State Patrol (WSP) YouTube video series “Good to Know” focuses on the VIN program and takes an inside look at the officers performing inspections. The video can be found here

The VIN is a 17-digit number with codes that detail’s the vehicle’s make and model, where the vehicle was manufactured and information about optional equipment. WSP VIN officers inspect and examine those VIN numbers to determine their differences and authenticity.

If you have changed component parts or rebuilt your vehicle, had repairs done after a collision, built a homemade trailer, or if your vehicle has been declared a total loss by the insurance company chances are it will need to be inspected before it will be issued a title. The WSP VIN program is an important step in that process.

VIN officers also perform inspections on vehicles when there is a VIN discrepancy, records dispute, or when vehicle ownership is in doubt. The VIN officers do not determine the safety of vehicle components or conduct emissions testing.

In the last two years, over 52,000 vehicles were inspected by WSP VIN officers in one of 24 inspection stations located around the state. During that same period, fifty-six stolen vehicles were recovered by VIN officers.

Recently, a motorcycle was presented for inspection. During the inspection process, The VIN plate and sticker were checked to make sure they are authentic and were also checked against state and federal stolen vehicle databases. It was discovered that the motorcycle had been reported stolen over 37 years ago. It would not have been recovered if the motorcycle had not been inspected by the WSP VIN program.

For more information on the VIN program, inspection stations locations and how to schedule an appointment click on: Vehicle Identification Inspections - Washington State Patrol


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State’s alcohol ignition interlocks now include cameras

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Alcohol ignition interlocks in Washington will soon have a feature designed to prevent others from performing breath tests for the driver. Starting January 1, 2013, a camera will snap a picture every time the machine is used, verifying that the driver is the person who took the test.

Interlocks are required on the vehicles of those who’ve been accused or convicted of impaired driving. The machine requires a legal breath sample from the driver before allowing a car to start.

“We’ve had cases where impaired drivers asked passengers, friends or even children to take the test for them,” said Lt. Rob Sharpe, commander of the Washington State Patrol’s Impaired Driving Section. “We’ve even heard stories of people trying to use portable air compressors to take the test.”

Failures or attempts to tamper with the device get recorded by the machine’s software. The company which leases the interlocks downloads the information and in turn contacts the State Patrol.

“We do make personal visits to drivers if we have evidence they have tried to fool the machine,” Sharpe said. “Having a picture will be the best possible evidence that someone was trying to cheat.”

Washington has what’s called an Ignition Interlock License, allowing those whose drivers’ licenses would normally be suspended to drive legally with an interlock. It was an acknowledgment that those accused or convicted of impaired driving have jobs and family obligations that require a car.

“History taught us that these people were going to drive anyway,” said Captain Rob Huss, commander of WSP’s Office of Government and Media Relations. “The Ignition Interlock License gives them a way to drive legally, but gives the rest of us some assurance that they’re sober and safe.” 

Drivers can lose their Ignition Interlock License by attempting to fool the machine, and the photographs will provide new accountability for those trusted with the license.


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Washington State Patrol says it does not tolerate impaired drivers

Wednesday, December 5, 2012



Responding to questions about the new marijuana law, the Washington State Patrol said,
With respect to impaired driving, we hope you’ve all heard our mantra by now: We’ve always arrested impaired drivers regardless of the drug involved. It has always been a crime to drive while impaired by drugs whether they be illegal, legal or even medically prescribed. This new law does not change how troopers will determine impairment at the side of the road.  

They do not expect to have the kind of data which would indicate any change in arrests right away, pointing out that there would be no data on arrests not made (assuming a traffic stop disclosed a small amount of marijuana). Their current records simply state "drug" arrest and do not include the (suspected) type of drug.

Their job, they say, is to keep impaired drivers off the road. Reasons for impairment would be up to the courts.
The THC level in a suspect’s blood will not be known for days or weeks after the roadside contact. That will be an issue for prosecutors and defense attorneys not troopers. 


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Drowsy driving: a needless cause of tragedies

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Drowsy driving, or sleepiness, has been identified as a factor in a growing number of automobile crashes. As with the dangers of speeding, drinking and driving, and not wearing seat belts, drowsy driving is just as devastating and dangerous.

Drowsy driving has serious consequences on our highways. It impairs driver’s reaction time, judgment, vision, awareness of surroundings and decision making. Warnings signs include: trouble keeping your eyes open and head up, difficulty focusing, yawning repeatedly, and missing exits or traffic signs.

“Falling asleep at the wheel is as preventable as collisions that are caused by speeding and drinking and driving,” said Chief John Batiste, Washington State Patrol. “People need to take the necessary precautions to prevent sleepiness as a needless cause of deaths and injuries.”

In 2010, 16 motorists were killed and 60 were seriously injured in Washington State because of drowsy driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each year at least 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries are a result of drowsy driving.

Drowsy driving is such an important issue it prompted Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire to sign a proclamation. In it, she urges all Washington State citizens to join her in observing national Drowsy Driving Prevention Week (DDPW) November 12-18, 2012.

The DDPW campaign was developed to educate young drivers, their parents and others about drowsy driving and its prevention. The AAA Foundation estimates that about one in six deadly crashes nationwide involves a drowsy driver. In fact, The National Sleep Foundation’s 2011 poll found that about one in ten 16-45 year old drivers report driving drowsy once or twice a week.

The Washington State Patrol wants to remind drivers to take the necessary precautions to avoid drowsy driving or falling asleep at the wheel by following these steps:
  • Get a good night’s sleep before hitting the road
  • Don’t be too rushed to arrive at your destination
  • Take a break every two hours or 100 miles to refresh
  • Use the buddy system to keep you awake and share driving chores
  • Avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness as a side effect
  • Avoid driving when you would normally be sleeping
For more information about drowsy driving and how to prevent it visit SleepFoundation.org, DrowsyDriving.org, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Updated NHTSA link 10-13-17

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State Patrol to ticket aggressive drivers in King County

Sunday, September 23, 2012

It can be a real headache for motorists in King County when a road is blocked because of a commercial motor vehicle collision. Collision data reveals that the majority of these crashes are caused by the automobile, not the truck.

Starting on September 24, 2012, WSP will conduct a week-long Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT) emphasis in King County to change driver behavior around big trucks and try and reduce the number of injuries and fatalities caused by these collisions.

The upcoming emphasis is part of a TACT Project that has WSP troopers and local and county law enforcement conducting four week-long emphases during the next nine months in King County.

“Motorists who drive recklessly, or are unsafe around these big rigs, are asking for trouble,” said Chief John R. Batiste, Washington State Patrol.  “These trucks are unforgiving in the amount damage they do to a car in a collision.”

The goal of this TACT Project is to change driver behavior when operating around commercial motor vehicles, to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities, and to increase public awareness about unsafe driving behaviors around commercial vehicles (i.e. cutting off trucks, tailgating, failure to yield right of way, speeding, and aggressive driving).

Batiste made clear that TACT stands for Ticketing Aggressive Cars AND Trucks.

“Troopers and other police officers assigned to TACT are not just after the car drivers,” he said. “Officers will also look for truck drivers who don’t share the road”.

Law Enforcement will also be partnering with the Washington Trucking Association (WTA) during the last three week-long TACT emphases.  WTA will provide a truck and driver during the emphases with an officer riding in the vehicle spotting violations that happen around the vehicle.  Along with the truck, the WSP aircraft will take to the sky looking for unsafe drivers around trucks.

Most of the collisions involving commercial motor vehicles that occur in King County happen on the interstate and state routes.  Officers will patrol I-5 from Seattle to Federal Way, I-90 from Seattle to North Bend, I-405 from Bellevue to Tukwila, SR-167 from SR-18 to I-405, and SR-18 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the times most collisions occur.  The enforcement dates are September 24 – 28, 2012, December 10 – 14, 2012, March 11-13, 2013, and May 20 – 24, 2013.

This TACT Project is a grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.  The grant is part of a program directed by Congress in 2004 to educate passenger car drivers on how to share the roadway safely with commercial vehicles.


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Commercial Vehicle Fatigued Driver Emphasis July 8 – 12, 2012

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

   (CVD Truck Check) During a Commercial Vehicle Safety emphasis, WSP CVEO 2 Nicholas Hopper inspects the tires on a semi truck. During these safety emphasis checks Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers not only check the truck’s brakes, tires and safety systems.  Officers also check the driver’s licenses and log books, looking for drivers with suspended licenses or ones who have exceeded the maximum hours they can drive every day. Photo courtesy WSDOT.   

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) Commercial Vehicle Division (CVD), in partnership with California and Oregon authorities, are combating fatigued drivers by checking drivers’ hours of service and citing drivers who exceed the maximum allowable thresholds.

Washington, Oregon, and California will share data and information during the emphasis to verify hours of service recorded by drivers of commercial motor vehicles traveling the Interstate 5 corridor from Blaine, Washington to northern California.  Although actual percentage estimates vary, it is widely acknowledged that driver fatigue is a factor in many commercial vehicle crashes. For this reason, federal regulations limit the number of both consecutive and cumulative hours a commercial vehicle driver may operate his or her vehicle without an off-duty rest period. Enforcement of these limits is essential to ensure compliance, combat driver fatigue, and assure our roadways remain safe for all motorists.

During this emphasis, Washington, Oregon and California Troopers and Officers will check vehicles and their drivers at inspection sites along the Interstate 5 corridor. In addition, roving patrols will inspect vehicles and drivers who are attempting to avoid the inspection sites by traveling on bypass routes.

The WSP CVD strives to make Washington roadways the safest in the nation.


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