Latest news with #WTSC
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Extra Patrols Deployed as Part of 100 Safe Days of Summer Campaign
King County agencies urge residents to help prevent dangerous driving and keep roads safe SEATTLE, June 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To keep roads safe this summer, the King County Target Zero Coalition is deploying High Visibility Enforcement patrols from June 6 through Labor Day Weekend. This campaign is part of Washington's "100 Safe Days of Summer" program, which is working to keep roadways safe during what is typically the most dangerous time of the year. These patrols are focusing on recent data that suggests deaths related to speeding are on the rise. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), Washington's roads had 253 fatal crashes between June and September, making summer the deadliest four-month period of the year. Across the state, 31% of fatal crashes involved a driver speeding, and fatal crashes involving speeding drivers have increased 52% since 2019. "This is an opportunity to remind everyone there are simple things they can do to keep our roads safe – and driving the speed limit is at the top of that list," said Sara Hallstead, Target Zero Manager, South King County. "We urge everyone to avoid following the flow of traffic and instead focus on driving the posted speed limit, which exists to decrease the risk and severity of crashes." In preparation for the dangerous driving period, the King County Target Zero Coalition is also encouraging motorists to avoid impaired driving. Traffic safety officials have seen progress on the state's roads (recent data shows that 78% of people in Washington don't drive after drinking) but substance use still remains one of the leading causes of deadly crashes in King County. Local authorities are urging everyone to take proactive steps to prevent impaired driving before it happens. "Every one of us has a role to play. Planning ahead can save lives and protect our communities," said Hallstead. "If you're going out, make a plan for a safe ride home. You can designate a sober driver ahead of time, use ride share services, take public transportation, or stay the night at your destination." Roadway safety is a top priority for the King County Target Zero Coalition, and officials encourage motorists to call 911 and report someone who is driving erratically. This includes speeding, braking suddenly or inappropriately, swerving in and out of their lane, or making wide turns. Extra patrols are partially funded by WTSC with the coordination of the King County Target Zero Coalition, which brings together representatives from law enforcement, public health, transportation, health and human services, and community organizations to engage in traffic safety campaigns throughout King County. Target Zero Managers across the state are conducting similar campaigns. For more information, please visit About the King County Target Zero Coalition: The King County Target Zero Coalition was formed by Public Health – Seattle & King County in 1998 through limited funding from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and flexible state public health funding. It is currently supported through state-funded grants. Target Zero is a statewide program administered through the WTSC with the goal of reducing the number of serious injuries and fatalities, among those walking, rolling, driving, and traveling on Washington roadways, to zero by 2030. For additional information, you can follow our social media pages on Facebook or Instagram. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Christiaan Boer, cboer@ 206-557-4309
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business Wire
Extra Patrols Deployed as Part of 100 Safe Days of Summer Campaign
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To keep roads safe this summer, the King County Target Zero Coalition is deploying High Visibility Enforcement patrols from June 6 through Labor Day Weekend. This campaign is part of Washington's '100 Safe Days of Summer' program, which is working to keep roadways safe during what is typically the most dangerous time of the year. These patrols are focusing on recent data that suggests deaths related to speeding are on the rise. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), Washington's roads had 253 fatal crashes between June and September, making summer the deadliest four-month period of the year. Across the state, 31% of fatal crashes involved a driver speeding, and fatal crashes involving speeding drivers have increased 52% since 2019. 'This is an opportunity to remind everyone there are simple things they can do to keep our roads safe – and driving the speed limit is at the top of that list,' said Sara Hallstead, Target Zero Manager, South King County. 'We urge everyone to avoid following the flow of traffic and instead focus on driving the posted speed limit, which exists to decrease the risk and severity of crashes.' In preparation for the dangerous driving period, the King County Target Zero Coalition is also encouraging motorists to avoid impaired driving. Traffic safety officials have seen progress on the state's roads (recent data shows that 78% of people in Washington don't drive after drinking) but substance use still remains one of the leading causes of deadly crashes in King County. Local authorities are urging everyone to take proactive steps to prevent impaired driving before it happens. 'Every one of us has a role to play. Planning ahead can save lives and protect our communities,' said Hallstead. 'If you're going out, make a plan for a safe ride home. You can designate a sober driver ahead of time, use ride share services, take public transportation, or stay the night at your destination.' Roadway safety is a top priority for the King County Target Zero Coalition, and officials encourage motorists to call 911 and report someone who is driving erratically. This includes speeding, braking suddenly or inappropriately, swerving in and out of their lane, or making wide turns. Extra patrols are partially funded by WTSC with the coordination of the King County Target Zero Coalition, which brings together representatives from law enforcement, public health, transportation, health and human services, and community organizations to engage in traffic safety campaigns throughout King County. Target Zero Managers across the state are conducting similar campaigns. For more information, please visit The King County Target Zero Coalition was formed by Public Health – Seattle & King County in 1998 through limited funding from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and flexible state public health funding. It is currently supported through state-funded grants. Target Zero is a statewide program administered through the WTSC with the goal of reducing the number of serious injuries and fatalities, among those walking, rolling, driving, and traveling on Washington roadways, to zero by 2030. For additional information, you can follow our social media pages on Facebook or Instagram.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Report: WA sees decrease in deadly crashes for 2024 from 33-year high in 2023
Deadly traffic crashes have decreased in Washington in the last year, but are still high overall, a new report from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) said. In 2024, there were 731 people killed in traffic crashes on Washington roads, a 9.6% decrease from 2023 numbers. However, at the same time, the preliminary total for 2024 is 36% higher than the number of people killed on Washington roads in 2019. 'Traffic enforcement efforts have increased statewide, resulting in larger numbers of traffic stops for speeding, distraction, and suspected driver impairment. Enforcement fell dramatically during and immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic. Some cities have also increased their use of automated enforcement for speeding, particularly in school zones and in other areas where pedestrians travel,' WTSC said in its report. Since 2015, the state saw its lowest number of people killed in crashes in 2019, with 538 reported. 'This is obviously a welcome change to see our annual fatality numbers decline after experiencing large increases over the previous four years. Law enforcement and other traffic safety partners have worked hard to reverse the deadly trend we experienced in 2020-2023. And we still have a lot of work to do to further reduce these historically high fatality numbers,' said Shelly Baldwin, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Driver impairment by alcohol and/or other drugs remains the most common risk factor involved in fatal crashes. The initial total involving impaired driving was 348 traffic deaths, which represents 48 percent of all fatalities. This number often rises as additional evidence is processed and recorded in these cases. Final numbers will be released in late 2025 or early 2026. Speed remains another major factor in fatal crashes, as excessive speed increases both the likelihood and severity of a crash. In 2024, 247 people were killed in crashes involving excessive speed, which represented 34 percent of all fatalities. There is a substantial overlap in crashes involving both speed and impaired driving. Among fatalities involving excessive speed, 62 percent also involved an impaired driver.
Business Wire
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Motorcyclist Fatalities in Washington Decrease in 2024, Down 23% From Previous Year
OLYMPIA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and officials are hopeful that fatal motorcycle crashes decreased in Washington. As the weather gets warmer and the roads get drier, the Department of Licensing (DOL) and Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) are reminding drivers of all motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, to safely share the road. According to data from the Washington State Department of Transportation, motorcyclist fatalities decreased in 2024 on Washington's roads. In 2023, there were 142 motorcyclist fatalities, the most in Washington state's history. In 2024, Washington experienced a 23% decrease with 110 motorcyclist fatalities. While one motorcyclist serious injury or fatality is unacceptable, it's hopeful to see this reduction. Traffic safety professionals remain concerned about the overall increase in motor vehicle crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatalities, and while motorcycles represent a small number of incidents, they also represent a disproportionate number of the deaths. In the last five years (2020-2024), motorcycles made up just 3% of registered vehicles on Washington's roads and accounted for 16% of all traffic fatalities. 'While most Washington motorcycle riders practice safety, the number of fatalities is still higher than pre-pandemic levels. This is particularly concerning because we know these crashes are preventable,' said Mark Medalen, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager at WTSC. 'One fatal crash is too many, and while we saw a reduction and are moving closer to our goal of zero fatal or serious injury crashes, we still have work to do to prevent these incidents and improve safety on our roads.' Motorcyclists are over-represented in traffic fatalities because they are vulnerable road users that don't have the steel cages, air bags, seat belts, and crash protection of other motor vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, per mile traveled in 2019, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash and four times more likely to be seriously injured. Most crashes on the road are caused by human choices or errors. The leading causes of motorcycle fatalities (single vehicle and multi-vehicle crashes) are speed, impairment by alcohol and/or drugs, and distraction. 'We encourage riders to 'create their own safety' by riding within their skills, sober and well-rested, checking their speed, and wearing all the safety gear all the time,' said Robert Willis, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager with Washington Department of Licensing. 'Make your ride more enjoyable by enhancing your skills with beginner and advanced training courses.' Motorcycle collisions can cause serious injury or death to both driver and motorcycle rider. The WTSC's motorcycle safety website, ' Ride Safe, Ride On,' has a collection of resources including videos, blogs, training tools, and safety information designed to help motorcyclists and motorists learn how to safely share the road with each other. Drivers are also encouraged to leave extra space and following distance around motorcycles, always drive sober, wear a seatbelt, follow speed limits, and avoid distractions. Visit and for more rider education, testing, training, endorsement, and safety information. About Ride Safe, Ride On Ride Safe, Ride On is a motorcycle safety outreach program from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. We focus on making a positive impact on Washington motorcycle riders by promoting ongoing training, responsible riding and wearing all the safety gear, all the time.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
State Patrol warns drivers this Cinco de Mayo: drive sober and follow the speed limit
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is reminding drivers to drive responsibly this Cinco de Mayo. Along with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), officials are asking if you're planning to be on the road to drive sober and follow posted speed limits. 'Our message is simple: Have fun but celebrate responsibly. Driving impaired endangers your own life and the lives of others,' WSP Chief John Batiste said. WSP says between 2019 and 2023, 207 people were killed on Washington roads on Cinco de Mayo. 'We're asking everyone to plan ahead. Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or stay the night if you've been drinking,' WTSC External Relations Director Mark McKechnie said. For safety resources and more information on impaired driving visit:
