Amid a worsening traffic safety crisis, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and Washington State Patrol (WSP) are reminding people to drive safely heading into Labor Day weekend.
According to initial WTSC data, Washington has seen 417 traffic deaths as of July 2023, as compared with 413 deaths over the same time in 2022.
Last year was the deadliest on Washington roads since 1990, according to a recent WTSC press release, with 750 total recorded fatalities. Of those, 75% involved at least one of four behaviors: impairment, distraction, speeding and not wearing seat belts.
"Saving lives on our highways involves everyone's participation — and that includes passengers," WSP Chief John R. Batiste said in the press release. "Driver decisions are an obvious factor in fatal collisions, but passengers have a duty to ensure their own safety by always choosing to buckle up. We need this disheartening trend to turn around, and we cannot do that without everyone's participation."
The announcement coincides with the end of a WTSC and WSP campaign educating people on the 90 Dangerous Days of summer. Over the past five years, the deadliest 90-day stretch on Washington roadways has occurred in the summer months. This Labor Day weekend, state and local law enforcement will be visible to remind drivers and passengers to be safe.
Drivers can reduce the risk of fatal collisions by driving sober and focused, respecting speed limits and buckling up, WTSC Director Shelly Baldwin said in the press release. Drivers also should watch out for pedestrians, and cyclists should wear helmets and other protective gear when possible.
"The power to save lives is in the hands of every driver on our roads," Baldwin said in the press release. "Going into Labor Day and the final four months of 2023, we still have time to change this trend. Please get a sober ride if you have used drugs or alcohol. Higher speeds endanger the lives of everyone, so please respect the speed limit. If we practice these simple safety behaviors each day, we can save hundreds of lives so that they will be here to enjoy the holidays with their family and friends."
