The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is partnering with allied agencies across the state for “High Visibility Enforcement” (HiVE) patrols throughout November and December in an effort to reduce serious injury and fatality collisions, the agency announced Thursday.
The four HiVE patrols are scheduled for four Saturdays during the upcoming holiday season: Nov. 19, Nov. 26, Dec. 17 and Dec. 31.
“Each fatality collision is a tragedy that affects so many families, friends and loved ones,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “We are pooling resources to do our part in making our roadways safe for the great people of this state.”
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) reports Washington state witnessed a 20-year high in fatality collisions in 2021, with 602 collisions resulting in 670 deaths, according to a news release. Authorities anticipate 2022 numbers will exceed 2021, as officers have investigated more than 580 fatality collisions statewide so far this year, according to a news release.
“High visibility enforcement helps remind drivers to slow down, drive sober, and drive distraction free,” said WTSC Director Shelly Baldwin. “These are very important reminders during the holidays when we want families to be able to gather safely in celebration and not to mourn the loss of a loved one.”
Law enforcement participating in the HiVE patrols will focus on collision-causing violations, including speeding, following too close, impaired driving, distracted driving and aggressive driving behaviors, according to WSP.
“One person is killed in this country, on average, about every 52 minutes in a drunk driving crash, totaling more than 10,000 lives lost each year,” said Greg Fredericksen, Region 10 administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “The goal of high visibility enforcement efforts is to educate drivers on the dangers and consequences of driving impaired.
The public information officers for each participating WSP district will provide updates on Twitter regarding the progress of HiVE patrols conducted in their area, according to WSP.
