Drivers

Authorities say they're simply hoping to save lives and prevent drivers from being ticketed.

The Officers issued 238 citations so a majority of drivers are getting warnings not tickets.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission and Washington State Patrol are sounding the alarm about the large number of traffic deaths.

The campaign started in the fall of 2021 after more than 12 fatality crashes were reported within Yakima city limits.

It's a problem that Capt. Jay Seely says is frustrating at the least for many drivers who want to avoid getting in a crash.

During the week of July 16 through July 22 Officers made 677 traffic stops and issued 234 citations.

In fact during the week of June 11 through the 17 Officers made 770 stops and issued 330 citations.

Washington State Patrol Troopers say more people are driving, more teens are on the road, more walkers and bikers and more construction.

This year authorities will have more eyes looking for distracted drivers. 150 different agencies will be involved in the campaign.

Yakima County Coroner Jim Curtis says a majority of the drivers killed were under the influence of drugs or alcohol or both.

Yakima Police Capt. Jay Seely says many road rage incidents never get reported to police.

A new bill in the Washington State Legislature could result in more people being put in jail for Driving While Impaired.