Yakima, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and local police agencies are combining their efforts to reduce serious injury and fatality collisions during a “High Visibility Enforcement” (HiVE) patrol on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.
This will be the first of four HiVE patrols occurring in conjunction with statewide efforts during the upcoming holiday season. Future patrols include Nov. 26, Dec. 17, and Dec. 31.
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) reports Washington state witnessed a 20-year high number of fatality crashes in 2021: 602 collisions resulting 670 tragic deaths. The Washington State Patrol has investigated 30 fatality collisions throughout Yakima, Benton, Franklin and Walla Walla counties so far in 2022.
Saturday’s daylong HiVE patrol will focus on the areas of Interstate 82, I-182, SR 97, SR 240, SR 395 and SR 12 with increased enforcement efforts during peak collision times.
The HiVE patrol locations and times are dictated by data collected by each agency. Participating law enforcement agencies utilize an all crimes approach with a focus on collision causing violations including speed, following distance, impaired driving, distracted driving and aggressive driving behaviors.
The Washington State Patrol would like to remind the motoring public to always wear their seatbelt. Choosing to buckle up is the first step a motorist and their occupants can proactively take to help avoid serious injury or death in the case of a collision.
Follow the Washington State Patrol District 3 Twitter account to learn of the progress of the HiVE efforts.