Drive Sober This Holiday Season So Everyone Makes It Home Safe

Olympia, WA — The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends, which is why the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) are reminding everyone to make safe choices and drive sober. Impaired driving continues to be a leading contributor in fatal crashes in Washington. There are thousands of surviving family members in Washington who remember and mourn the loss of a loved one who will never take part in holiday gatherings again.

Ashley Bonus remembers her sister, Stacy Gammons-Ankerfelt, as an amazing teacher who put her whole heart and soul into her work and her students. Stacy was killed in July 2012 when she was on her way to pick up supplies for her students to use in the upcoming school year at Scenic Hill Elementary in Kent. “She ensured each and every student felt safe, loved and knew she was invested in their future,” Ashley recalled about Stacy, who was hit and killed by an impaired driver right in front of her own home.

“The holidays changed for my family the day Stacy was killed by an impaired driver. I carry her with me every day — not just in sadness, but with purpose. Stacy was truly changing the world with every life she touched. Please drive sober, so no other family has to face an empty seat or a lifetime of remembering someone the way we do,” Ashley said.

To help keep roads safe during this busy travel season, law enforcement agencies across the state will conduct extra DUI patrols from December 12th through New Year’s Day 2025.

“Stacy dedicated her life to helping students and supporting her community,” Chief John Batiste said. “Her loss underscores the devastating impact impaired driving has on families across our state. Our troopers work every day to prevent these tragedies, and we urge every driver to make safe, responsible choices.”

In 2024, there were 346 people killed in impaired driver involved crashes in Washington. WSP and WTSC urge everyone to plan ahead for a sober ride home before drinking. Families should not have to experience the heartbreak of losing loved ones around the holidays due to a completely preventable tragedy.

“Safe roads rely on the choices each of us makes before we get behind the wheel,” said Shelly Baldwin, WTSC Director. “Stacy’s story reminds us that impaired driving leaves lasting heartbreak for families and communities. Planning a sober ride takes only a moment, but it can prevent tragedies like the one her family still lives with today.”

Research shows that everyone is too impaired to drive safely with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 percent or higher. At this level, drivers are twice as likely to be involved in a crash compared to those who are sober.

For more information on impaired driving and safety resources, visit https://www.togetherwegetthere.com/impaired-driving/.

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 “One More Stop” Emphasis Patrol: 5,300 Motorist Contacts in 73 hours

Olympia, WA — The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) supported a multistate emphasis patrol in honor of fallen Trooper Christopher Gadd #927 beginning on Friday, Sept. 26.

Trooper Gadd was killed after being struck by an impaired driver on Interstate 5 just north of Marysville on March 2, 2024. Just prior to the tragic incident, Trooper Gadd had messaged to his detachment members he was going to meet up with them for break after “one more stop.”

In honor of Trooper Gadd’s dedication and sacrifice that night, WSP and law enforcement agencies across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho conducted “One More Stop” emphasis patrols from Friday, Sept. 26 to Monday, Sept. 29.

As a result, state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers contacted 5,330 motorists across Washington. Forty-six percent (46%) were issued citations for infractions, while 54 percent were issued warnings. In addition, 109 motorists were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) and 144 were arrested for other offenses or warrants.

The most common infraction cited was for speeding, which represented 28 percent of all motorist contacts. Citations for distracted driving were 4 percent, followed by 2.6 percent for seat belt and passenger restraint violations.

“As we learned from the tragic loss of Trooper Christopher Gadd, impairment and speed are a fatal combination,” said WSP Chief John Batiste. “I’m proud of the dedicated efforts of troopers, deputies, and officers across Washington, and our counterparts from Oregon and Idaho, who continue to honor his memory through their commitment to making our roads safer.”

Washington joins national effort to bring cutting-edge technology to its roads and build a future free from alcohol-impaired driving fatalities

SPOKANE – The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) today launched the Driven to Protect | Washington initiative, becoming the fourth state to join a national effort to end drunk driving using advanced in-vehicle alcohol detection technology. The initiative supports the development and real-world testing of the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS), a groundbreaking system designed to passively detect when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at or above the legal limit and prevent the vehicle from operating.

“In Washington, we are driven by the belief that no loss of life on our roadways is acceptable,” said Shelly Baldwin, Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. “Through Driven to Protect | Washington, we are advancing a technology with the power to stop drunk driving before it starts and save thousands of lives in the U.S. every year.”

Over the past decade, alcohol-related traffic deaths in the state have increased by 91 percent. Drunk driving remains a leading cause of traffic deaths in the United States. Nationally, more than 10,000 people are killed each year in alcohol-related crashes, and nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities involve a drunk driver, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions. In Washington, 27 percent of all roadway fatalities in 2023 involved an alcohol-impaired driver, with 216 lives lost.

As part of Driven to Protect, the Washington State Department of Transportation has

generously volunteered to install the DADSS technology in three fleet vehicles. By doing so, they are providing data on how seamless the system is for sober drivers and how well the sensors respond to weather, road conditions, and other standard interference. This will help improve the technology for future deployment in passenger vehicles.

“The DADSS technology is being developed to function as seamlessly as the lane departure and emergency braking systems we already rely on,” said Rob Strassburger, President & CEO of the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety. “Washington’s leadership is helping us get closer to bringing this technology to market, and ultimately, to saving lives.”

The Driven to Protect initiative is part of a national public-private partnership between the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Together with participating states like Washington, the program is helping to accelerate the development of alcohol detection systems that work automatically, passively, and without requiring any additional action by the driver.

Currently in pilot testing, the system uses infrared light to analyze a driver’s naturally exhaled breath and determine whether alcohol is present. It is being engineered to distinguish between the driver and passengers and to provide accurate, reliable results without requiring the driver to blow into a mouthpiece.

As part of the initiative, WTSC will also lead outreach and educational efforts across Washington to help residents better understand how the technology works and why it is a vital step forward in preventing impaired driving fatalities.

“Most people know that driving impaired is dangerous, but alcohol also impairs our judgment about when it is safe to drive and when it isn’t. This is a tool to stop people from making a

choice they will regret,” said Baldwin. “Driven to Protect is not just about the technology itself. It is about building a culture of protection for every neighborhood, every family, and every road user in our state.”

The DADSS Program reflects the power of government and industry collaboration to address public safety. Like airbags and anti-lock brakes before it, alcohol detection technology has the potential to be a transformative safety feature that can eliminate drunk driving as a leading cause of death on our roads.

To learn more about the Driven to Protect | Washington initiative, visit www.DrivenToProtectWA.org

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About the DADSS Program

The Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) Program is a collaborative research partnership between ACTS and NHTSA to develop advanced alcohol detection technology to

prevent drunk driving. The technology is designed to passively detect when a driver is impaired and prevent the vehicle from moving, saving lives without disrupting normal driving behavior. Learn more at DADSS.org

Olympia, WA — As thousands of basketball fans and families prepare to travel to Spokane for Hoopfest weekend, drivers are reminded to stay safe behind the wheel. Increased patrols will be active along I-90 from June 27–29, to ensure everyone gets to and from the nation’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament safely.

“Hoopfest is a time for families, friends, and competition, but safety must remain our top priority,” said WSP Chief John Batiste.  “Our officers will be out in full force this weekend to ensure that everyone gets to and from the event safely. So please, drive sober and stay alert.”

In partnership with the Washington State Patrol, local law enforcement agencies from King to Spokane counties will conduct focused patrols targeting impaired drivers and excessive speed—two of the leading causes of serious injury and fatal crashes on Washington roads. The summer months are particularly deadly on Washington roads, with an average of 195 fatal crashes occurring during June, July, and August over the past 5 years. More than half of those crashes involved an impaired driver.

“As we head into one of the busiest weekends of the summer with Hoopfest, our priority is keeping drivers and families safe on the road,” said Jana Rackham, Target Zero Manager in Adams, Ferry, Grant and Lincoln counties. “Extra patrols along the I-90 corridor will be focused on identifying and stopping impaired, distracted, and aggressive drivers. We urge everyone to plan, buckle up, and drive responsibly—your choices behind the wheel can save lives.”

In 2024, there were 33 impaired drivers taken off the roads in the Spokane area alone during Hoopfest weekend.

“We want everyone to enjoy the event and get home safely,” said Shelly Baldwin, Director of the WTSC. “That means planning ahead, obeying the speed limit, and never driving under the influence.”

For more information on safe driving initiatives, visit https://www.togetherwegetthere.com.

Preliminary Traffic Fatality Numbers for 2024 Decrease from 33-Year High in 2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. – There were 731 people killed in traffic crashes on Washington roads in 2024, which was an 9.6 percent decrease from the prior year, according to preliminary data released by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.[1] At the same time, the preliminary total for 2024 is 36 percent higher than the number of people killed on Washington roads in 2019.

Traffic enforcement efforts have increased statewide, resulting in larger numbers of traffic stops for speeding, distraction, and suspected driver impairment. Enforcement fell dramatically during and immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic. Some cities have also increased their use of automated enforcement for speeding, particularly in school zones and in other areas where pedestrians travel.

A number of policies have been put in place in recent years to address the recent traffic safety crisis. Washington may be starting to see benefits from these actions in reduced fatalities on Washington roads.

“This is obviously a welcome change to see our annual fatality numbers decline after experiencing large increases over the previous four years. Law enforcement and other traffic safety partners have worked hard to reverse the deadly trend we experienced in 2020-2023. And we still have a lot of work to do to further reduce these historically high fatality numbers,” said Shelly Baldwin, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

Driver impairment by alcohol and/or other drugs remains the most common risk factor involved in fatal crashes. The initial total involving impaired driving was 348 traffic deaths, which represents 48 percent of all fatalities. This number often rises as additional evidence is processed and recorded in these cases. Final numbers will be released in late 2025 or early 2026.

Speed remains another major factor in fatal crashes, as excessive speed increases both the likelihood and severity of a crash. In 2024, 247 people were killed in crashes involving excessive speed, which represented 34 percent of all fatalities. There is a substantial overlap in crashes involving both speed and impaired driving. Among fatalities involving excessive speed, 62 percent also involved an impaired driver.

Motorcyclist fatalities saw a substantial decline, by nearly 20 percent, to 113 fatalities in 2024. Notably, these fatalities involving a speeding motorcyclist fell nearly 21 percent.

Another particular bright spot was the decline in fatalities of people who were not wearing seat belts or using child passenger restraints. Fatalities involving unrestrained vehicle occupants fell 18 percent in 2024, compared to 2023.

A record number of pedestrians were killed in 2023. These numbers appear to have declined only slightly in 2024 to 155, compared to 160 pedestrians who were killed in 2023. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists are all more vulnerable in crashes with motor vehicles.

Distracted driver-involved fatalities increased in both 2023 and 2024, involving 136 and 138 deaths, respectively. This is a concerning change as these numbers had previously fallen to 90 in 2020, after Washington passed a distracted driving law in 2017. However, distracted driver-related fatalities are still fewer than the state experienced prior to the law change.

Through its Target Zero efforts, the state is also focusing attention on land use planning and traffic designs which help ensure that people who walk, roll, and use transit have safe places to travel wherever they need to go. WSDOT and local jurisdictions are increasingly using roundabouts, which dramatically lower the number of fatal crashes at these intersections, and other engineering measures which calm vehicle speeds, increase visibility and separate road users in time and space.

“The bottom line is that four driver behaviors contribute to at least 75 percent of traffic fatalities annually: impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and failure to wear seat belts,” said Mark McKechnie, WTSC external relations director. “In order to make our roads safer, we should drive sober, at safe speeds, without distractions, and buckle up. And we should encourage those we care about to do the same.”

For additional data and ten-year trends, you can view our data dashboards at https://wtsc.wa.gov/dashboards/.

[1] All 2024 data included here and percentages related for 2024 are preliminary and subject to change as additional information is collected and analyzed during 2025.

Partners with Safe Roads Challenge to Create Safe Driving Competitions Across Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The summer months are the most dangerous months on roadways in Washington. In 2024, there were 253 fatal crashes between June and September, making the summer months the deadliest four-month period of the year. In Washington, 31 percent of fatal crashes involved a driver speeding. Fatal crashes involving speeding drivers in Washington have increased 52 percent since 2019.

This summer, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is launching a campaign called the “100 Safest Days of Summer” to urge drivers to follow the speed limit to save lives. The campaign will launch with PSAs, airing statewide and at select gas stations, and an invitation to compete against other Washingtonians in a safe-driving app called Safe Roads Challenge. Simple changes like following the speed limit will increase the safety of everyone who uses our roads and sidewalks.

People are not always aware of their own speeding and how dangerous it can be. An increase of just 5 miles per hour above the speed limit reduces the amount of time available for a driver to react, while also increasing the amount of space needed to come to a stop. With less time to slow or stop, drivers choosing to speed are more likely to crash at a higher speed and cause severe harm to themselves and others.

In a new partnership between WTSC and Safe Roads Challenge, Washingtonians can download a mobile app that gives you a report card on how safe your driving really is. By joining the app, users can compete against other Washington drivers, earn rewards for safe driving and square off on the leaderboards. By competing in the Safe Roads Challenge between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Washington drivers can earn a chance to unlock big prizes, including a drawing with a top prize of up to $100,000.

“Summer is a time for recreation and enjoyment, but speeding drivers pose a deadly risk on our roads,” said WTSC External Relations Director Mark McKechnie. “With more families and kids outside, we are urging drivers to follow the speed limit. If more drivers choose to slow down this summer, we can all have a safer summer.”

Speed limits are set for each stretch of road based on a number of factors like curves, hills, sight distance, pavement condition, the road’s usage by pedestrians and bicyclists and its history of crashes. The posted speed limits are designed to keep everyone safe by giving drivers more time to react and brake, thereby decreasing the amount of deadly force in a crash. Rather than follow the flow of traffic, it is far safer for everyone to adhere to the posted speed limit, which exists to decrease the risk and severity of crashes on a particular road.

The Safe Roads Challenge app is available to all drivers through the App Store and Google Play Store. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Washington drivers can start earning rewards for safe driving and competing against their friends and neighbors across the state for top scores.

For more information on WTSC and safe driving resources, visit https://togetherwegetthere.com/.

Olympia, WA — As Washingtonians prepare to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) are reminding drivers to make safe and responsible choices behind the wheel. Law enforcement agencies across the state will be increasing patrols throughout the weekend, focusing on impaired driving and speed enforcement.

“Our message is simple: Have fun but celebrate responsibly. Driving impaired endangers your own life and the lives of others,” said WSP Chief John Batiste.

Cinco de Mayo has become associated with festivities that include drinking. Unfortunately, it has also become a time of increased risk due to impaired and reckless driving. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 207 people killed on Washington roads during Cinco de Mayo, with more than half of these crashes involving an impaired driver. Speeding, often combined with impairment, remains one of the leading factors in fatal and serious injury crashes in Washington.

“We’re asking everyone to plan ahead. Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or stay the night if you’ve been drinking,” said Mark McKechnie, WTSC External Relations Director.

Research shows that everyone’s ability to drive safely is impaired at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 percent or higher. At this level, drivers are twice as likely to be involved in a crash compared to those who are sober.

For more information on impaired driving and safety resources, visit https://www.togetherwegetthere.com/impaired-driving/.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is launching a new campaign during Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April. The campaign features a 30-second video that demonstrates how much the road can change in a short amount of time and reminds drivers to keep their focus on driving.

According to studies, it takes an average of five seconds to read a text message. In that short time, a car traveling at city speeds can cover approximately 220 feet, the length of three-quarters of a football field.

“Unfortunately, drivers who get away with using their phone while driving are more likely to do it again. We don’t want the consequences to be tragic when their luck runs out.” said Mark McKechnie, External Relations Director at WTSC. “In 2023, 136 traffic fatalities in Washington involved a distracted driver. People tend to underestimate these kinds of risks, so the new campaign illustrates just how much can change on the road in the blink of an eye.”

The campaign encourages drivers to take proactive steps to reduce distractions, such as placing their phones out of reach before driving. Additionally, law enforcement agencies across the state will be deploying extra emphasis patrols looking for distracted drivers from April 7-14.

“Operating a vehicle is one of the most dangerous activities we regularly do,” said Chief John Batiste of the Washington State Patrol.  “Because it is a daily task for most people, we forget how truly dangerous it is.  As a result, we find ourselves easily distracted with cell phones and other electronics in the vehicle until tragedy strikes.  So, I’m asking everyone, please be mindful of the task at hand when operating a vehicle, and let’s work together to make this state a safer place to live.”

Distracted driving is a violation of Washington’s Driving Under the Influence of Electronics (E-DUI) law, which states drivers may not hold cell phones or watch videos while they are driving, stopped in traffic, or at a stop light. Hands-free use is limited to a single touch of the device. The first violation results in an E-DUI ticket that costs drivers $136. If the driver receives a second ticket within five years, the fine increases to $234.

Distraction is not just limited to electronics. Eating, drinking, and personal grooming also take drivers’ attention away from the road and other road users.

To view the campaign video and for more information about how to stay focused on the road, visit https://togetherwegetthere.com/distracted-driving.

 

Olympia, WA — The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) are reminding all Washingtonians to prioritize safety and make the responsible choice to drive sober or secure a sober ride home this holiday season. Impaired driving remains a leading contributor in fatal crashes in Washington.

To increase safety and keep impaired drivers off the roads, law enforcement agencies across the state will be conducting extra DUI patrols from December 13th through New Year’s Day.

“The holidays are a special time for so many,” said WSP Chief John Batiste. “We want everyone to be able to spend this time with their loved ones, and in order to do that, we all need to make good, safe choices to drive sober.”

In 2023, 78 people were killed in traffic crashes in Washington between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. WSP and WTSC urge everyone to plan ahead for a sober ride home before drinking. Families shouldn’t have to experience the heartbreak of losing loved ones around the holidays due to a completely preventable tragedy.

“Every decision to drive sober is a decision to save lives,” said Shelly Baldwin, WTSC Director. “We all share the road, and we all share the responsibility of keeping it safe. Impairment begins with the first drink, and even small amounts of alcohol can have devastating consequences.”

Research shows that everyone is too impaired to drive safely with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 percent or higher. At this level, drivers are twice as likely to be involved in a crash compared to those who are sober.

For more information on impaired driving and safety resources, visit https://www.togetherwegetthere.com/impaired-driving/.

For Immediate release
August 8, 2024

 

OLYMPIA – The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is urging Washingtonians to use sober ride options to prevent impaired driving and ensure the safety of Washington’s roadways. In 2023, there were 810 traffic fatalities in Washington, with 400 of those involving an impaired driver. Roadway deaths involving an impaired driver increased 59 percent from 2019 to 2023, but we may be seeing the start of a decline in 2024.

“We all have a responsibility to keep our roads safe,” said WTSC External Relations Director, Mark McKechnie. “Drunk driving is one of the greatest threats on our roads. By choosing a sober ride option, you can help prevent tragedies and protect yourself and others on the road.”

Impairment begins at a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) than the current .08 legal limit. Reduced coordination, difficulty steering, reduced ability to track moving objects, and reduced response to emergency situations begin at .05 BAC. Crash risk is doubled for a person at .05 and tripled at .07 BAC, compared to a sober driver.

The WTSC offers several recommendations for sober ride options:

• Designate a sober driver before consuming alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs
• Use ride share services
• Take public transportation, such as buses or trains
• call a taxi or other car service
• Stay the night at your destination, if possible

Law enforcement agencies throughout the state will be conducting DUI high-visibility patrols beginning August 12 through Labor Day. Patrols will be monitoring traffic for instances of impaired driving and removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

New PSAs in English and Spanish from the WTSC will air on streaming video and audio platforms, radio, social media, and out of home media during the emphasis period encouraging the use of ride options to get home safely. A 30-second video called, “Plan Ahead,” can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_LKz3W2bTo.

For more information on impaired driving prevention and sober ride options, please visit https://togetherwegetthere.com/impaired-driving.

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Lewis County, WA — The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is proud to announce that Captain Jeff Godbey of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office has been named the Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) of the Year for 2023. This award recognizes Captain Godbey’s dedication to traffic safety and his outstanding contributions to the community. He was honored at the Region 3 Traffic Safety Task Force meeting on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. The Statewide Law Enforcement Liaison, Bob Thompson, presented Captain Godbey with the award.

“Captain Godbey’s commitment to traffic safety and his innovative approach to community partnerships have made a tremendous impact,” said Thompson. “We are proud to recognize his contributions and leadership.”

Captain Godbey has been the LEL for Lewis County since 2018, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries. He began his career as an Explorer and then spent 13 years focusing on impaired driving as a Drug Recognition Expert.

Throughout his tenure, Captain Godbey has forged strong partnerships within the community and law enforcement agencies. His efforts in organizing events like the ABATE Spring Opener, the Night of 1000 Stars, and the Annual Traffic Safety Awards Banquet have significantly contributed to promoting traffic safety and honoring those who uphold it.

Captain Godbey’s proactive approach extends to educational initiatives such as Safety City, which teaches essential traffic safety skills to over 1,000 elementary students annually. His engagement with high school programs and events like National Night Out fosters positive relationships between youth and law enforcement, furthering community trust and safety awareness.

In addition to his local impact, Captain Godbey collaborates with surrounding counties to enhance law enforcement training and knowledge. His recent hosting of an Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) training exemplifies his dedication to professional development and regional cooperation.

The success of the Lewis County Target Zero Task Force owes much to Captain Godbey’s tireless efforts. His passion for prevention, education, and enforcement has made significant strides in making roadways safer for everyone.

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OLYMPIA, Wash. – Today, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) announces that High Visibility Enforcement patrols are active across the state to monitor for drivers who are not wearing their seat belts or do not have child passengers in the correct car seat. These emphasis patrols are running from May 20 – June 2 as part of WTSC’s annual seat belt campaign, which strives to remind Washingtonians that wearing a seat belt is one of the most important and effective ways to survive a crash.

WTSC measures seat belt use through observational and random response surveys. The observed rate in 2023 was 93.3%. However, the Annual Statewide Traffic Safety Survey shows that seat belt use declined slightly across the state in 2023. One concerning trend is that only 83% of people surveyed said they usually wear a seat belt when in the back seat of a vehicle. The survey also showed that some people are hesitant to ask each other to buckle up, with almost 18% of respondents saying they’d be slightly uncomfortable asking someone else to use a seat belt.

“Wearing a seat belt drastically decreases the chance of dying or being seriously injured in a collision, regardless of where you are sitting in a vehicle. Airbags and other safety features are designed to work best when you are buckled up,” said Erica Stineman, Communications Manager, WTSC. “We are asking everyone to take advantage of this focus on seat belts to make sure everyone in their vehicle is secured safely, every time they drive.”

Despite Washington maintaining a high seat belt use rate for many years, the number of fatalities and serious injuries involving people not wearing seat belts has increased to the highest number since before 2010. WTSC urges all Washingtonians to buckle up because it is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. The campaign will pay extra attention to regions of the state where seat belt use was significantly lower than the statewide seat belt use rate, including Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Mason, Stevens, and Thurston counties.

“We know that a vast majority of people in Washington use their seat belts, and we appreciate you helping us make the road a safer place,” continued Stineman. “Our hope is that this campaign will reach some of the folks who choose not to buckle up so we can get closer to 100% seat belt use across the state this year.”

WTSC is asking businesses and parents to help by creating and enforcing seat belt expectations. In the 2023 study, 29% of employed respondents said their workplace either did not require seat belts or did not have a policy about seat belt use, with only 33% reporting that their employers did have a policy in place. Similarly, nearly 9% of people surveyed stated that they did not have seat belt rules within their family.

Parents and caregivers can take advantage of this focus on seat belts to ensure that their child passengers are also secured safely. For the best protection, a child should remain in each stage of restraint until they reach the maximum height and weight based on the manufacturer’s instructions.  According to the law in Washington, children up to age 13 must also ride in the back seat when practical to do so. Many communities have certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians available to help caregivers ensure they are using the right seats in the right ways.

Washington state laws require that everyone in a motor vehicle wears a safety restraint that is properly fastened. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt or appropriate child restraint costs $136. More information can be found at the WTSC’s Together We Get There website. Child passenger safety resources are at wacarseats.com with materials available in seven languages.