Washington State Patrol to conduct high visibility enforcement patrols in North Central Washington

WENATCHEE - The Washington State Patrol (WSP) District 6 has announced a partnership with allied agencies in Chelan, Kittitas, Grant, and Okanogan counties to conduct High Visibility Enforcement (HiVE) patrols. The main objective of these patrols is to reduce the number of serious injury and fatality collisions in the region.

Eight HiVE patrols have been scheduled so far, focusing on areas within Moses Lake, Ellensburg, Wenatchee, and Okanogan. The first patrol, set to take place from April 1 to April 5, will target distracted driving in coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

According to WSP District 6 data, nearly 10 percent of collisions investigated by their troopers last year involved a distracted driver, which is higher than the nearly 7 percent of collisions involving impaired driving. HiVE patrols utilize agency data to ensure that resources are deployed in the most effective locations and times to maximize their impact.

“Driving a motor vehicle is a huge responsibility. When you get behind the wheel, driving should be
your only job,” said District 6 Captain Daniel Richmond. “Nothing is more important than human life.”

Distracted driving is not limited to the misuse of electronic devices. Tasks such as applying make-up, shaving, eating, talking to passengers, changing radio stations, or using the GPS system can also be considered distracted driving if they interfere with a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle, as outlined in RCW 46.61.673 – Dangerously distracted driving.

The Washington State Patrol and its partners aim to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage motorists to prioritize safety on the roads through these High Visibility Enforcement patrols.