Kennewick, Wash. -- Traffic deaths reached a 33-year high across Washington in 2023. Apple Valley News Now talked to a State Patrol about what's driving that increase.
In 2023, there were 810 traffic deaths. That's a 10% increase over 2022 Washington state patrol said.
Washington State Patrol, Trooper Chris Thorson said most of those deadly crashes could have been prevented.
“We know what causes most of these collisions approximately 50% of these collisions are caused by a driver who's impaired by alcohol and or drugs,” Trooper Thorson said, “The other key factors are speeding and driving distracted and people not wearing their seatbelts. Those four accounted for 75% of all traffic deaths across Washington state.”
If a person is going to drive distracted they will have to be ready to pay the price: fines start at more than $100 dollars for holding a wireless device and if you get a second ticket within five years the penalty goes up and the State Patrol will make a report to your insurance company.
“People just choose not to follow the law. I don't know what the reasoning is. But you know, be aware that we're looking for these violations and if you get stopped, and you're using your cell phone, we're going to issue a citation for that, because we know it leads to collisions and that leads to traffic deaths,” Trooper Thorson said.
When it comes to trying to avoid driving distracted, the person who is driving should turn down their cell phone volume, turn it off and put it somewhere they can’t reach Trooper Thorson said.
Cellphones are a main source of distracted driving but they're not the only ones that could leave you facing a ticket Trooper Thorson said.
“Also, don't do any grooming or eating or be distracted by your passengers. Those are a few tips not to drive distracted,” Trooper Thorson said.
When it comes to driving distracted it's not a specific group of people doing it, it's all genders and ages Trooper Thorson said.
It's not just distracted driving. It's also important to make sure if someone is planning to drink or use marijuana that they make a plan to get home safely.
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COPYRIGHT 2024 BY APPLE VALLEY NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
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