Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
July 15, 2010
Contact:
Lieutenant Jason Armstrong
Phone:
509-734-7029
E-mail:
Jason.Armstrong@wsp.wa.gov
WSP to Conduct Water Follies Emphasis Patrols
Washington State Patrol troopers will be conducting traffic safety emphasis patrols throughout Water Follies weekend from July 23rd through July 25th, 2010. The emphasis patrols will focus on dangerous speeding, DUI, aggressive driving, and seat belt enforcement.
The Washington State Patrol will be utilizing a new tactic this year in the Tri-Cities area to apprehend aggressive and impaired drivers. We will be using the Washington State Patrol DUI Aerial Response Team (DART) to track down impaired, erratic, and aggressive drivers that are called in by local citizens. This method has proved to be effective in other areas of the state and we anticipate similar results. We will also be utilizing the Mobile Impaired Driving Unit (MIDU) to assist with the processing of impaired drivers.
Our primary goal is to prevent injury and fatality collisions. We want this Water Follies weekend to be a safe and enjoyable event for everyone in the Tri-Cities. We are asking people to not drink and drive, arrange for a designated driver, always wear their seat belts, and to drive at safe and legal speeds.
Troopers from Walla Walla, Sunnyside, and Yakima will be working in the Tri-Cities during Water Follies weekend. Additional troopers are necessary due to the influx of thousands of spectators during the weekend and the congestion issues that generally surround the area of Columbia Park.
The Washington State Patrol will be utilizing aircraft, motorcycles, and unmarked patrol cars to conduct speed emphasis patrols on Interstate 82, State Route 240, and State Route 395 throughout the weekend. Additional emphasis patrols will be conducted during the evening hours to prevent DUI related collisions and ensure a safe driving environment.