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

/in ,

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.

Results of Cinco de Mayo Weekend Traffic Safety Emphasis Patrols Released

/in ,

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) have released the results of the statewide emphasis patrols that took place over the Cinco de Mayo weekend, which aimed to reduce impaired driving and promote safe travel across the state.

Between May 3 and May 5, WSP and local law enforcement officers made 11,561 contacts with drivers. Key enforcement highlights include:

  • Speeding violations: 4,766
  • Distracted driving/electronic device use: 544
  • Seat belt violations: 549
  • Driving under the influence (DUI): 191

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to all the officers who dedicated their time and effort during the Cinco de Mayo emphasis patrol,” said Chief John Batiste.  “Your commitment to keeping impaired drivers off our roads helped ensure a safer celebration for everyone in our community.”

The enforcement period was part of a statewide effort to reduce the risks historically associated with Cinco de Mayo. Over the past five years, more than 200 people have died in traffic crashes during the holiday period in Washington, with over half of those deaths involving an impaired driver.

“We’re thankful for our law enforcement partners and the work they do during high-risk times like Cinco de Mayo,” said Shelly Baldwin, Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. “These patrols serve as a reminder that traffic safety is a shared responsibility. We all play a role in preventing crashes and saving lives.”

Drivers are reminded to plan ahead when drinking, wear seat belts, follow posted speed limits, and keep focus on the road every time they get behind the wheel.

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

Washington Traffic Safety Commission Launches ‘100 Safest Days of Summer’ With a Message to Slow Down While Driving

/in ,

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/.

New Dedicated DUI Enforcement: Cities of Kent and Aberdeen Establish Dedicated DUI Officers to Reduce Impaired Driving

/in ,

ABERDEEN/KENT, WA – The cities of Aberdeen and Kent are proud to announce a new traffic safety initiative that will add a full-time law enforcement officer in each city. The officers will focus on removing impaired drivers from local roads and increasing public awareness of the risks of impaired driving.
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) provides grant funds to build local law enforcement capacity and supports Washington’s Target Zero Goal to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

“At a time when fatal collisions caused by impaired drivers are at historically high levels in our state, the need for dedicated DUI enforcement is crucial,” said Chief Rafael Padilla from Kent Police Department (KPD). “I am grateful to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the Target Zero Campaign for the grant funds that will allow our department to staff a fulltime dedicated DUI Officer position. This position significantly increases our capacity to remove impaired drivers from the roads before their actions result in tragedy.”

The newly established DUI officer positions will focus on identifying and processing impaired drivers, while also engaging in community outreach and education. Through high-visibility enforcement, coalition participation, public messaging, and leadership in traffic safety efforts, the officers will serve as a visible and proactive resource in the community.

“We are honored to be selected as one of the recipients of a dedicated DUI enforcement grant,” remarked Commander Steve Timmons from the Aberdeen Police Department. “Having a dedicated DUI enforcement officer is vital to enhancing public safety by deterring impaired driving and reducing alcohol-related crashes. Taking a proactive
approach through increased enforcement and community education is essential to keeping our roads and community safe.”

Funding a full-time officer in each city will address a troubling rise in serious injury and fatal collisions related to alcohol and drug impairment. The increased visibility of enforcement efforts promotes greater accountability and safety across both communities.

“This initiative represents a significant investment in public safety and is a critical step forward in the effort to prevent impaired driving and ultimately save lives,” said WTSC Impaired Driving Program Manager, Edica Esqueda.

Drive Sober and Follow the Speed Limit This Cinco de Mayo: Washington State Patrol and Washington Traffic Safety Commission Urge Safe Driving

/in ,

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/.

New Washington State Judicial Outreach Liaison Named

/in ,

Olympia, WA – The Washington Traffic Safety Commission is proud to announce the Honorable Adam Eisenberg as the new Judicial Outreach Liaison (JOL) for Washington state. In this part-time role, Judge Eisenberg will provide peer-to-peer judicial education on legal issues related to impaired driving for trial court and tribal court judges in Washington.
“I am very excited to work with judges throughout our state,” Judge Eisenberg explained. “Sadly, we continue to be plagued by impaired driving, and each passing year brings an increase in the number of DUIs and collisions caused by drivers under the influence of multiple substances such as cannabis, fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs.”
As the Washington state JOL, Judge Eisenberg will update judges on changes to evidentiary rules and legal procedures that affect how blood results and other forensic evidence is introduced in court. He will also provide information on evidence-based sentencing practices, assist trial courts that operate DUI-focused calendars, and serve as an educational resource for the 29 in-state tribal courts.

Judge Eisenberg follows in the footsteps of the Honorable Scott Bergstedt (retired), who served as the previous Washington state JOL.

Judge Eisenberg grew up on a small cattle ranch outside Boulder, Colorado. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Colorado, he worked for seven years as a Los Angeles-based entertainment journalist. There, he interviewed a variety of filmmakers and celebrities including George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Sigourney Weaver, Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford; and his writings appeared in newspapers and magazines in the United States, Japan and France.

A career change led him to law school in Seattle, and he earned his Juris Doctor from University of Washington in 1992. Since then, he has served as a criminal prosecutor, a civil trial attorney, a court commissioner and an elected Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) judge from 2017 to January 2023.

While on the SMC bench, Judge Eisenberg was the judicial sponsor for the Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP), a collaborative, community-based program that serves as an alternative to jail by providing individualized treatment to break the cycles of abuse and trauma. He was also co-director of the Seattle Youth Traffic Court, a restorative justice court in which high school students hand down sentences for teens who have gotten tickets in Seattle.

Currently, Judge Eisenberg is an associate teaching professor and Director of the Externship Program at the University of Washington School of Law. He teaches a variety of courses including Museum Law, serves as a judge pro tempore for the Tulalip Tribal Court and municipal and district courts in King and Snohomish Counties, and is the author of the nonfiction book, A Different Shade of Blue: How Women Changed the Face of Police Work.

The Judicial Outreach Liaison program began in 1998 as part of the American Bar Association’s efforts to provide trial judges with access to current and evidence-based practices to assist them in their work on the bench. The program consists of three National Judicial Fellows and regional and state JOLs. More than 25 states have Judicial Outreach Liaisons.

New Traffic Safety Campaign Shows Importance of Keeping Eyes on the Road

/in ,

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.

 

Let’s Drive Sober So We All Make It Home for the Holidays

/in ,

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/.

New Law to Protect Vulnerable Road Users Takes Effect January 1st

/in ,

For Immediate release
December 9, 2024

 

OLYMPIA – Starting January 1, 2025, Washington State will implement a new law intended to enhance safety for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals using personal mobility devices.

The law aims to reduce injuries and fatalities from crashes involving non-motorized road users by increasing penalties for negligent drivers. A negligent driver is generally considered to be a person who fails to exercise ordinary care, which then endangers another person.

Under the new law, penalties for a negligent driver who causes the death of a vulnerable road user include:

  • A fine of $5,000
  • Up to 364 days in jail
  • Suspension of driving privileges for 90 days

Penalties for a negligent driver who seriously injures a vulnerable road user may include:

  • A fine of $5,000
  • Suspension of driving privileges for 90 days
  • Traffic school
  • Up to 100 hours of community service

Shelly Baldwin, Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), commented on the new law: “This law is one part of Washington’s ongoing efforts to make our roads safer for everyone. By focusing on protecting our most vulnerable road users, we’re sending a clear message that when you’re the biggest and the fastest, you need to be the safest, too. Everyone has a right to safe passage on our roads, whether they’re in a car, on a bike, or on foot.”

The WTSC will run an educational campaign through January to inform drivers and vulnerable road users about the new law and promote safe road-sharing practices.

To view the campaign and more about the new law and its implementation, please visit wtsc.wa.gov/VRU.

 

###

WTSC Urges Using Sober Ride Options to Get Home Safely

/in ,

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.

###

Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Captain Jeff Godbey Honored as Law Enforcement Liaison of the Year for 2023

/in ,

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.

###

I-90 Corridor Patrols

/in
Read more

Region 3 – Teens in the Driver Seat

/in
Read more

Secure Your Load 2024

/in ,
Read more

Washington Deploys Statewide Seat Belt Enforcement to Save Lives

/in ,

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.

WTSC 2023 Traffic Fatalities

/in ,
Read more

2024 MMI-GHSA Data Collection Grant

/in ,
Read more