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King County is deploying extra high-visibility enforcement patrols to ensure county roadways are safe during the summer months.
The patrols are law enforcement operations designed to reduce dangerous driving behaviors by increasing law enforcement presence in high-risk areas. This patrol expansion is part of Washington state's “100 Safe Days of Summer” program, which works to keep roads safe.
The patrols were deployed on Friday and will continue through Labor Day weekend, which is known to be the deadliest period for drivers and pedestrians.
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, there were 253 fatal crashes between June and September last year. Since 2019, the number of fatal crashes involving speeding has increased 52%.
“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,” South King County Target Zero Manager Sara Hallstead said in a statement. “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.”
WTSC partially funds the high visibility extra patrols with the coordination of the King County Target Zero Coalition, with additional funding coming from federal traffic safety funds allocated to Washington. However, specific funding amounts for the program are not publicly available. The Center Square reached out to the King County Traffic Safety Coalition for more information on program funding, but did not receive a responsepublication.
“Target Zero” is a WTSC program to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities on Washington roadways to zero by 2030. However, despite the program's efforts, King County has seen traffic deaths occur at a high rate in recent years. In 2023, there were 167 deaths on county roadways, the most ever recorded.
Despite the record number of fatalities, a recent King County Target Zero Coalition press release notes that progress has been made in the state’s efforts to improve road safety, including data showing that 78% of Washingtonians don’t drive after drinking. However, substance use still remains one of the leading causes of deadly crashes in King County.