The following is a press release from the Washington State Patrol:
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.
• DUI violations
2018: 3,704
2019: 3,334
• Distracted driving
2018: 6,106
2019: 5,910
• Seatbelt violations
2018: 3,868
2019: 4,195
• Fatalities
2018: 47
2019: 20
• Speeding
2018: 46,286
2019: 42,597
• HOV violations
2018: 12,233
2019: 12,715
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 you seatbelt!
The nearly 58 percent 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!
