Last year, the Washington State Patrol saw a significant reduction in the number of speed and DUI related collisions throughout District 8.
The detachment offices situated along the Olympic Peninsula began a new tactic last year, by first identifying areas that were in need of a stronger level of enforcement. Troopers, along with the district’s command staff identified these areas by studying data spanning over a three year period. By looking at statistics such as fatal collisions, DUI arrests, and speed collision data, areas of interest were identified. In 2009, troopers conducted weekly saturation patrols – a high visibility emphasis with teams of several troopers, in these areas using proactive law enforcement. These saturation patrols increased violator contacts by 7% over 2008.
At the conclusion of 2009, collisions involving DUI drivers were down by 8%, speed related collisions were down 10%, and although the districts fatal collisions remained the same as 2008, we are down 30% from our six year average.
Below, the numbers are separated by county.
Clallam/Jefferson Counties
· DUI related collisions were down 15% with 44, as compared to 52 in 2008.
· Speed Related Collisions were down 18% with 126, as compared to 153 in 2008.
Mason County
· DUI related collisions were down 45% with 45, as compared to 82 in 2008.
· Speed related collisions were down 39% with 67, as compared to 109 in 2008.
Kitsap County
· DUI related collisions were up 23% with 117, as compared to 95 in 2008.
· Speed related collisions were up 10% with 273, as compared to 248 in 2008.
Grays Harbor County
· DUI related collisions were down 21% with 37, as compared to 47 in 2008.
· Speed related collisions were down 12% with 69, as compared to 78 in 2008.
Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties
· DUI related collisions were up 23% with 27, as compared to 22 in 2008.
· Speed related collisions were down 29% with 53, as compared to 75 in 2008.
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