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 29, 2010
Contact:
Trooper Krista Hedstrom
Phone:
360-405-6613
Cell: 360-265-1332
E-mail:
krista.hedstrom@wsp.wa.gov
Speed Related Collisions Greatly Reduced, Overall fewer Collisions Investigated by WSP
Pacific/Wahkiakum Counties – Troopers assigned to the Naselle detachment office and assigned to Pacific and Wahkiakum counties have seen fewer collisions along state routes during the first quarter of 2010.
The seven troopers and one sergeant that make up the Naselle detachment investigated 24% fewer collisions along state routes. During the first half of 2010, troopers investigated 97 collisions, as compared to 128 during this time period in 2009.
Collisions where speed was listed as a contributing factor accounted for 6 of those collisions, as compared to 34 in 2009 – a decrease of 82%. DUI was listed as a contributing factor in 12 of those collisions, the same as the first half of 2009.
During the first half of 2010, there has not been a fatality collision on a state route between the two counties. In 2009, troopers responded to 6 fatal collisions along state routes in Pacific and Wahkiakum counties, 2 of which involved commercial vehicles and 4 of which occurred during the first half of the year.
Troopers assigned to the counties have been provided additional training regarding commercial vehicle enforcement from representatives with the Washington State Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Division (CVD). With this additional training, they have begun to focus more on commercial vehicle violations. Additionally, CVD personnel have scheduled more emphasis patrols in this area throughout the year.
The District 8 motors detachment intends to work these areas during the summer months when traffic volumes increase due to tourists.
This reduction in collisions can be contributed to many factors, including the assistance of local law enforcement agencies located throughout Pacific and Wahkiakum who routinely support the traffic safety goals of the Washington State Patrol.