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

State Patrol asks for help from the public with 1994 cold case

Friday, September 4, 2020

Newport Washington, north of Spokane, was the scene of a 1994 murder.
The State Patrol is asking for help from the public



The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is seeking the public’s assistance with a 1994 homicide in Newport, Washington. The anniversary of this homicide is coming up and the WSP cold case team is still working to solve this case, and bring the person(s) responsible to justice. 

On the morning of October 24, 1994 the body of Jack LaFond was found inside his small travel trailer in the 1400 block of Telephone Road near Diamond Lake in Newport, Pend Oreille county, Washington north of Spokane. 

Police responded to the residence when Jack’s girlfriend became concerned after she had not been able to reach him all weekend. When police arrived they found the door to the trailer closed and a window broken. 

When police gained entry to the trailer they found Jack deceased. Detectives worked diligently in the months and years that followed the homicide but the case still remains open and unsolved.

The WSP is looking to speak to anyone who may have information about who committed this crime. Please call the WSP cold case team at 425-401-7740 or email Stacy.Moate@wsp.wa.gov


 

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Statement from WSP Chief John R. Batiste on the need for occasional roadway closures

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

From Chief John R. Batiste, Washington State Patrol

We have heard from many frustrated citizens regarding the traffic disruptions caused by the temporary closures of the freeway due to protests. First, let me say thank you for reaching out to us.


We are public servants responsible for safety and the enforcement of our state’s laws and while we always try to satisfy the legitimate concerns of those we serve, in this case I’m afraid our response will not be totally satisfying to all.

May 30, 2020 Photo by T J Guillory

In a time that requires care and flexibility, we are exercising the safest means possible to avoid injuries or worse to motorists, protesters, WSDOT personnel and our troopers by closing the roadway as needed and separating protestors from vehicular traffic. 

With no effective way of stopping large crowds from entering its lengthy borders, temporarily shutting the roadway is our best measure to avoid the dangerous mixture of freeway speed, vehicles, and pedestrians and to end the disruptions as quickly as possible.

We understand and share your frustration, but while keeping traffic flowing on our interstates and state roadways is one of our primary objectives, our primary responsibility is maintaining public safety with safe roads. 

We also understand and share the shock of the events in Minneapolis that have generated so much rightful indignation across our country and have demanded that we in law enforcement make careful and authentic assessments of our police tactics and relationships with communities of color.

In this unique environment of prolonged and daily protests, our responsibility to keep people safe extends to those who might be endangered by protests on the roadways as well as those who peacefully use the freeway for making public statements. 

Our response must remain flexible and we clearly understand how maddening this inconvenience can be. But due to the extreme volatility of the current environment, the impact of the pandemic on our court and jail systems, and our iron-clad commitment to use force only when it is necessary, reasonable, and proportionate to the situation, we are limited in our safe and appropriate response options.

We need everyone’s assistance by extending to each other patience and grace as we all find the best ways to address these unprecedented challenges our country and state now face.




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21 State troopers now trained to do blood draws on suspected DUI drivers

Monday, June 1, 2020

Graduating class of 21 WSP troopers
Photo courtesy WSP*

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) took another step in their goal to remove impaired drivers from Washington roadways. In an effort to make the DUI arrest process more efficient and reduce impacts to the healthcare system, the WSP started a pilot program where 21 troopers have been trained as licensed phlebotomists.

These troopers now have the ability to conduct legal blood draws on suspects that have been arrested for DUI, where a search warrant from a judge has been issued.

21 troopers have Phlebotomist certificates
Photo courtesy WSP*

The troopers attended an approved 50 hour course at Bates Technical College, and passed all the requirements to obtain the Department of Health (DOH) certification for Medical Assistant Phlebotomists. 

The troopers are assigned to Snohomish, Whatcom, King, Pierce and Thurston Counties.

The 21 troopers that volunteered to attend this training did so as additional duties, to help in the effort to make our roads safer. 

The WSP hopes to expand the program in the future.

Lieutenant Bruce Maier, Commander of the Impaired Driving Section stated “we are very excited to start our phlebotomy program. This is a significant accomplishment for these troopers and our agency as we look for improved ways to combat impaired driving in WA State. 

"These dedicated troopers spent many volunteer hours studying and preparing for this certification. We look forward building on the success of these troopers.”

Trooper Clarence Williams Conducting training draw
Photo courtesy WSP*
The first blood draw conducted by the newly trained troopers occurred May 6th in Tacoma. 

Trooper Williams, who had received his certification two days prior was asked to assist a fellow trooper with the blood draw of a suspect arrested for DUI.

Prior to this program, a suspect arrested for DUI where a warrant for blood is obtained would have to go to a healthcare facility to have a licensed phlebotomist or other trained person conduct the draw. 

Having troopers trained and certified will reduce this impact on hospitals and clinics, and get troopers back out on the road in a timelier manner.

*Photos were taken during training, and prior to the Stay at Home order



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Kiwanis Youth Law Enforcement Career Camp cancelled

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Due to the current circumstances and with the health and safety of those involved being the biggest priority, the 43rd Annual Kiwanis Camp scheduled for August has been cancelled. 

This decision was not made easily and the staff and volunteers who make this event happen every year are disappointed, but understand the need for social distancing and reducing the spread of Covid-19.

Kiwanis Camp is an opportunity for Washington State high school juniors and seniors with an interest in law enforcement as a career to have an opportunity to spend a week during the summer learning about the roles and job opportunities within law enforcement.

The purpose of the camp is to provide selected high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to explore various job opportunities in the law enforcement field. Students are given a hands-on experience on the WSP drive-course and tactical firing range and will get to work with forensics, SWAT, communications, K-9 and many other police functions. 

Additionally, students will have exposure to law enforcement problems and challenges officers encounter on a daily basis and to show how to successfully handle situations in a professional manner.

Police departments from around the state provide officers as staff members to instruct and serve as counselors. Guest speakers from various agencies provide first-hand information to the students. This gives the students a variety of experiences and exposure to federal, state, county and local law enforcement as a possible career path. Many students who attend this week-long camp go on to have careers in the criminal justice field.

The organizers are excited to begin planning for next year’s event.



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State Patrol loans equipment to UW to help increase COVID-19 testing

Saturday, April 4, 2020

ThermoFisher 7500 testing units
were loaned to the UW from WSP

On Friday, March 27, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Crime Laboratory Division provided the University of Washington (UW) Medical Center with critical equipment to increase COVID-19 testing.

The UW Virology department currently processes about two to three-thousand COVID-19 clinical samples a day. 

With this number expected to increase, the department was in need of additional ThermoFisher ‘7500’ testing units. 

Due to high demand for the units, the company is experiencing an inability to fill requests for them.

After being contacted by ThermoFisher, The WSP’s Vancouver Crime Lab DNA Section identified two units as available and loaned those to the UW. 

These were new units slated for the WSP High-Throughput Laboratory, but they are not scheduled to be placed in service until June, so there will be no impact to current operations at the lab.

“It is important that WSP helped to enhance the public health of our citizens during this time of crisis,” said WSP Chief John Batiste. 
“Our Crime Laboratory teams are committed to making a difference every day for the health and safety of all Washingtonians, and this partnership is a great example of their dedication.”




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State Patrol says fatalities in King county were down 58% in 2019 - but more people are not using seat belts

Thursday, January 9, 2020

2019 Year In Review for The State Patrol in King County 

As we start a new year, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) in District 2, King County would like to share some statistics for 2019 and compare them with 2018.

The numbers shown are definitely trending in the direction the WSP wants to them to go with the exception of seatbelt usage. Seatbelts SAVE LIVES and the message to all the motoring public is to wear your seatbelt!

The nearly 58% decline in fatalities investigated by the WSP in King County is also encouraging but even one fatality is one too many. Every fatal collision affects countless lives of family, friends and others that are involved in these tragic incidents. The WSP encourages all drivers to have a plan if the choice is made to consume anything that may cause impairment. There are many great options available in this day and age which leaves no excuse for impaired driving.

The slight decline in Distracted Driving violations is also a good sign. No matter what time of day or location of travel, distracted driving poses a great danger to those that are distracted and others using the roadways. The WSP is confident that the more drivers that adhere to our law, fewer collisions will occur and tragedies avoided.

The last violation that will be emphasized is the HOV contacts. This is a violation that generates numerous complaints to the Washington State Patrol in King County. Through enforcement efforts and the new HOV graduated fine, the WSP is looking for this violation to continue to trend lower.

Looking at the first week of 2020, WSP troopers in King County have arrested 47 drivers for suspected impairment to include one arrest for Vehicular Assault on Sunday, January 5, 2020.

The Washington State Patrol wants the motoring public’s help in making 2020 a safe year on the roadways. Be safe, make good choices and have a great year!



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Recent traffic deaths in Mountlake Terrace

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Car sheared off a power pole then caught
on fire and crashed into house
Photo courtesy South County Fire

On Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 2:30am, a driver speeding northbound on I-5 got as far as Mountlake Terrace before he sideswiped another vehicle and careened into a roadside barrier and concrete bridge support near the 236 St SW overpass just eight blocks north of the King county line.

The vehicle caught on fire.

The driver, Randy J. Betterton, 28, of Bothell, was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, a 22 year old male, was wearing a seat belt. He was injured and transported to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett. The driver of the sideswiped vehicle was not injured.

The collision was investigated by the Washington State Patrol.

Car sheared off the power pole
before crashing into house
Photo courtesy South County Fire

On Monday, January 6, 2020, at 7:45am, a car sheared off a power pole, caught on fire, went through a fence and crashed into a house at 220th St SW and 44th Ave W in Mountlake Terrace. The house caught on fire. South County Fire responded.

The driver of the vehicle, a Mountlake Terrace woman in her mid-20s, died. A woman who was in the house was taken to hospital as a precaution for smoke exposure.

Then on Monday, January 6, 2020 another driver crashed into a building, but this one ran away. Here's the story as reported by MLTNews.com

Mountlake Terrace police are looking for the driver of a vehicle that crashed into a mixed-use building at 24001 56th Ave. W. early Monday morning, then fled the scene. 
According to Mountlake Terrace Police Chief Pete Caw, an officer had concluded a security check at the Recreation Pavilion just after 2:30 a.m. Monday when he observed a silver Acura sedan “driving at a very high rate of speed” near the 22800 block of 56th Avenue West.  The vehicle was driving too fast for police to catch up, but the officer observed the vehicle run a red light at 236th Street Southwest and then lost sight of it. 
Patrol units checking the area located the vehicle after it had crashed through the front door of first-floor medical offices. Occupants living in the residences upstairs were uninjured, police said. The driver had left the scene. 
While police were investigating the incident, the registered owner called 9-1-1 and claimed that her vehicle had been stolen.  However, further investigation revealed that the car had not been stolen but was instead being driven by her boyfriend. 
The vehicle was removed from the building and towed to the police department. Caw said that police are still searching for the driver.


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Shop with a Cop

Monday, December 23, 2019


On Friday, December 20, 2019, Shoreline and Kenmore Deputies, along with Lake Forest Park Police Department Officers, Washington State Patrol Troopers, and the LFP Rotary participated in the shop-with-a-cop event. 



Using donations from the community and Target, 13 children were able to shop for their siblings, parents, and themselves for the holiday season at the Woodinville Target store.



Afterwards they went to Lake Forest Park for lunch and help in wrapping all the presents.

Robin Roat, LFP Rotary with LFP Chief Mike Hardan
and two very happy kids

Photos from Shoreline Police and LFP Rotary.



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Amber Alert resolved when children are found and father is arrested

Thursday, December 12, 2019

State Patrol located the vehicle in the Amber Alert
on I-90 and arrested the father
Photo courtesy WSP


The children who were the subject of the Amber Alert that set off alarms on our phones and television were found safe in Cheney, Spokane County on Tuesday evening, and their father was arrested by Washington State Patrol.

The parents had been ordered to turn the children over to Child Protective Services after a judge ruled that the children were in danger in their home. Instead the parents took the children across state, while police and state patrol mounted an all-out search for them, based on a description of their Bouncer motor home.

State Patrol blocked off I-90
during the arrest.
Photo courtesy WSP


Washington State Patrol across the I-90 corridor had been looking for this vehicle since 4:30am to arrest the male driver for Violation of a Protection Order and threats to harm.

The driver, who is the children's father, was arrested without incident and transported to the King County Jail to meet Seattle police to be booked.

The children’s parents were questioned and released, pending further action from the courts. The children ranged in age from 7 to 16,



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Black Friday marks the kick-off for extra DUI patrols

Thursday, November 28, 2019

A police station on wheels
Photo courtesy WSP

This Friday, November 29th is the kick-off for the King County Holiday DUI Emphasis Patrols.

The Washington State Patrol, along with several other allied agencies, will have extra patrols out to remove suspected impaired drivers from the roadways in King County.

The Washington State Patrol has investigated 18 fatal collisions year to date with the majority caused by impaired drivers.

The Mobile Impaired Driving Unit (MIDU) will also be deployed in a central location for all law enforcement to use during this emphasis.

There will be processors on board along with a phlebotomist for search warrant blood draws if necessary.

This will allow for the suspected impaired drivers to be dropped off and allow law enforcement to return to patrol for additional impaired drivers.
                                         
The MIDU is a self-contained 36 foot motorhome that has been retrofitted as a mobile DUI processing center and incident command post.

The MIDU is equipped with three breath testing instruments, two temporary holding cells, three computer work stations, an incident command computer terminal, a dispatcher console with wireless access to WSP dispatch centers and a microwave downlink tower for real time broadcasts from WSP aircraft. This is a full service police station on wheels.

The Washington State Patrol would like to stress good choices through this holiday season and beyond. Have a plan and always drive sober!


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HOV Emphasis patrol gets violators and a few dummies

Sunday, September 23, 2018

A driver on NB I5 at I-405 in Sno County was dying to not get
caught with this passenger, there’s no bones about it!
Another HOV violator stopped by WSP.
Photo and traffic stop by Trooper H. Axtman
Washington State Patrol ran an emphasis patrol in three counties - King, Pierce and Snohomish - September 10-14, 2018

They were looking for HOV lane violators - those people who use the high capacity / car pool lanes when they have no passengers.

17 motorcycle troopers worked areas that generate the most complaints of HOV violators.

They contacted 1,756 solo drivers, issued 1,671 Citations and 85 Warnings.

Throughout this week, 17 drivers were ticketed on 2 separate occasions and 1 driver was ticketed 3 separate times!

The Washington State Patrol stresses that HOV violations do affect the transportation system as it is designed.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) provided funding for this patrol.



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First wildfire of the year started June 4 in Benton County

Friday, June 15, 2018

The first wildfire of the year started on June 4, 2018. It's called the Les Blair Fire, located approximately 8 miles south of Finley in Benton County. The fire was burning in grass and brush.

State assistance was mobilized by the Washington state patrol to help Benton County firefighters. Both aircraft and hand crews were called out.

Soap Lake Fire
Photo from Grant County Fire District 13

Benton County Fire reported that the first day on the Les Blair Fire 500 acres, it was 80% contained, and 100% contained the next day. Cause is under investigation but thought to have started by train.

On June 12, resources were mobilized for the Soap Lake (High Hills) Fire, located approximately 5 miles north of Soap Lake in Grant County. The Soap Lake Fire is burning in grass and brush.

This fire quickly spread to 1400 acres, and was threatening homes, agriculture and power infrastructure in the area.

Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau ordered out engines, aircraft and hand crews to assist Grant County Fire.

Among the crews were three Shoreline firefighters who were sent out on a strike team to the Soap Lake Fire. One went with a Duvall crew and two went with a Bothell crew. It has consumed over 2000 acres.

State Mobilization ended for the Soap Lake Fire in Grant County at 12:00pm Thursday. 2,063 acres, 100% contained.

This is just the beginning of the wildfire season. Remember when you see the news reports that some of our own may be part of the firefighting efforts.



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Washington state patrol says Secure Your Load

Thursday, April 26, 2018

As seen on a Shoreline street
Photo by Jim Talbot

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is conducting a statewide “Secure Your Load” emphasis from April 27, 2018 through April 29, 2018. The purpose of the emphasis is to bring awareness to the importance of securing your load. Penalties can range from a $228 citation all the way to criminal charges if property damage or injuries result from the unsecured load.

Last year, the WSP contacted 6,268 vehicles for failing to secure their load.

The WSP is committed to keeping our roadways safe by reducing serious injury and fatality collisions. Unsecured loads caused 170 collisions last year on our state highways. 16 of these collisions resulted in injuries.

As the weather continues to improve, more drivers are heading to the landfill due to spring cleaning and yard work. The WSP would like to remind drivers to take the extra time to make sure their load is secure. Those few extra minutes could save a life.



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WSP seeks witnesses to fatal crash on southbound I-5 Sunday in Everett

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Shoreline driver transported to hospital

Republished from Lynnwood Today


The Washington State Patrol’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is investigating a six-vehicle crash that occurred on Sunday, Nov. 12 and are looking for anyone who may know anything about the crash.

One driver from Everett was killed in the crash. Two drivers, from Lynnwood and Shoreline, were injured in the collision. A driver from Mountlake Terrace was also involved in the crash.

The collision was reported at 11:40pm Sunday when a vehicle was disabled on the shoulder of southbound I-5 in Everett. Three vehicles then crashed into the disabled vehicle. Later, a semi-truck and another vehicle also crashed.

According to the Washington State Patrol, MAIT detectives are examining all aspects that led to this collision and are seeking additional witnesses that may have information surrounding this tragic collision.

If you know anything about this collision, or know someone who does, you are asked to email or call Detective Russ Haake at 425-401-7717,  or Detective Sergeant Jason Kraus at 425-870-4598.



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Suspect arrested in I-5 hit and run

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Nissan, left, was hit by driver of Honda, right
Photo courtesy Washington State Patrol

At approximately 3:10am on November 5, 2017, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) responded to a report of a serious injury collision on southbound I-5 just north of 175th in Shoreline.

Upon arrival, troopers observed a black Nissan Sentra partially in lane one with extensive left side damage and missing the driver door. They also observed a male lying on the right shoulder south of the Nissan.

The individual was bleeding heavily and unconscious.

Troopers also noticed a blue Honda Element further south of the scene with heavy front end damage. 

According to witnesses, the driver of the Honda walked back to the Nissan then left the scene in a Mini Cooper. It was determined that the Nissan was disabled on the right shoulder and the driver was outside of the vehicle when he was struck.

The Seattle Fire Department transported the victim to Harborview in critical condition where he remains in the Intensive Care Unit in critical but stable condition.

Troopers contacted the residence of the registered owner of the Honda and spoke with a roommate who told the troopers he had not seen the registered owner for six hours. The roommate supplied the troopers with the cell phone number of the registered owner.

On November 7, 2018, WSP detectives interviewed the registered owner, Michael J. Rodenburg, 45 years old from Seattle. Rodenburg was subsequently arrested and booked into the King County Jail for investigation of Felony Hit and Run.



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Detectives seeking witnesses to felony hit and run on I-5 at NE 85th

Sunday, October 29, 2017

The door was ripped off and a passengers ejected and injured
Photo courtesy Washington State Patrol

At approximately 10:10pm on Thursday, October 26, 2017 the Washington State Patrol received a report of a serious collision NB I-5 just south of NE 85th.

Upon arrival, troopers observed a BMW SUV severely damaged and missing the left rear door. One of the passengers was a 16 year old male who was ejected and suffered multiple fractures. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center.

Mangled SUV door on roadway
Photo courtesy Washington State Patrol

Witnesses stated that two or three SUVs were racing, struck the BMW SUV and fled the scene. It is unclear whether the vehicle that was struck was involved in the racing prior to the collision. The two vehicles that fled were described as a silver BMW X5 and another SUV. Witnesses also stated that two or three passengers fled from the damaged vehicle prior to troopers arriving on scene.

Due to the nature of injuries, WSP detectives are seeking the drivers of the two fleeing SUVs for Felony Hit and Run. Anyone with information in reference to this incident is asked to contact Detective Ruth Medeiros at 425-401-7719 or by email



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Washington State Patrol targets left lane violators

Friday, June 16, 2017

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has received numerous requests to address left lane “campers” in our state. In response to the requests, the WSP will be conducting a statewide focus of effort to address the left lane violators.

The focus of effort will take place June 20-22, 2017.

RCW 46.61.100 requires all vehicles to keep right except when passing on multiple lane roadways. Left lane “campers” are drivers who remain in the passing lane (left lane) for long periods of time without passing.

The WSP targets left lane violators to educate them on the consequences of “camping” in the left lane. Left lane camping can lead to road rage, aggressive driving, traffic congestion, and collisions.

If you’re caught camping in the left lane it could result in a $136 ticket. The WSP contacted 16,453 left lane violators last year.

--Washington State Patrol


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Statewide emphasis patrol for Following Too Close

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Photo courtesy WSP
Starting March 7, 2017 through March 9, 2017, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Troopers will focus their efforts on a statewide emphasis for following too closely.

Last year, the WSP investigated more than 9,500 collisions caused by following too closely and stopped approximately 24,300 vehicles for the violation.

RCW 46.61.145 “Following Too Closely” requires vehicles to follow at a distance that is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway. If you’re caught following too close, it could cost you $136 and if a collision is involved it could be $187.

The WSP continuously strives to reduce the number of injury and fatality collisions in our state each year.

You can help troopers by increasing your following distance and giving yourself more time to react. 

These two steps are especially important during traffic congestion, adverse weather, and as your speed increases. The more room you have, the more time you have to react and the less likely you are to be involved in a collision.

For 2017 Following Too Close video please click here.



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Black Friday DUI Emphasis Patrol on King County highways

Friday, November 25, 2016

WSPs full service police station on wheels
Photos courtesy WSP

The Washington State Patrol will be out in force this Friday, November 25, 2016, looking for Impaired Drivers during its Black Friday DUI Emphasis patrol.

WSP is deploying their mobile police station - the Mobile Impaired Driving Unit (MIDU) so suspect drivers can be processed on the scene.

The MIDU is a self-contained 36 foot motorhome that has been retrofitted as a mobile DUI processing center and incident command post.

The MIDU is equipped with three breath testing instruments, two temporary holding cells, three computer work stations, an incident command computer terminal, a dispatcher console with wireless access to WSP dispatch centers and a microwave downlink tower for real time broadcasts from WSP aircraft.

This is a full service police station on wheels.



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Troopers conducting a Commercial Vehicle Emphasis on I-5

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Photo by Blake
On November 3rd and 4th, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) will be conducting an emphasis on Interstate 5 between Seattle and the Pierce County line.

This will include troopers from the Field Operations Bureau (FOB) and the Commercial Vehicle Division (CVD).

The focus of this emphasis is on commercial vehicle violations, to include left lane violations and HOV violations (box trucks over 10,000 pounds) and other violations that may be observed.

This emphasis will also include focusing on cars that are driving dangerously around commercial vehicles such as changing lanes in front of a commercial vehicle without allowing adequate room.

The Washington State Patrol would like to stress the importance of maintaining awareness when driving around commercial vehicles. When possible, “Don’t Hang Out in the NO ZONE”, which is the potential blind spot when traveling on the right side of the commercial vehicle.



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