KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Transportation and the Washington State Patrol are teaming up to make roadways safer statewide.
The Target Zero campaign aims to help save lives on the road by 2030.
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, driving-related deaths rose from 674 to 740 people between 2021 and 2022.
Trooper Sarah Clasen of the WSP said collisions have risen yearly since 2016.
“In the last year in District Three, which is what we call the Tri-Cities, Yakima, and Walla Walla area, 4,643 collisions,” said Trooper Clasen. “Some of our major factors are going to be speed, following too closely, distracted driving and of course driving impaired.”
According to Trooper Clasen, WSP has been monitoring those areas to understand the more problematic areas here better locally.
“Areas like the bridge,” she said. ” Definitely when the roads are slick, on-ramps, off-ramps. We take our data, we share it with the Traffic Safety Commission and DOT.”
WSDOT Communications Manager Meagan Lott said people must slow down, pay attention, and obey the traffic laws.
Lott said this campaign will so focus on safety in work zones.
According to the Washington State Law, if caught speeding in a work zone, a penalty will cost you, as it’s double the fines you would typically pay.
Lott said a law passed through the State Legislature will allow WSDOT to install cameras in work zones this summer.
“We’ll have a speed limit sign in the work zones,” Lott said. “If it’s 50 miles per hour and a driver is going over that, the speed camera will take a picture of their license plate. They’ll end up getting a ticket in the mail.”
Lott said this is an added safety measure to keep workers out of danger.
“We’ve seen an increase in work zone collisions in the summertime,” she said. “We’re just wanting our crews to be safe.”
Lott said drivers could see these cameras on the Blue Bridge repainting project. Lott said those cameras would be put in high-profile projects, and the repainting project is one of those projects.
Trooper Clasen said the bottom line for drivers is to pay attention.
“I know it’s easy to get distracted by cell phones, radios, or occupants in your vehicle,” said Trooper Clasen. “I think just being able to be alert and having that be the most important thing you’re doing. Keeping you and the people around you safe.”