The Washington State Patrol, Bremerton Police Department, Port Orchard Police Department and Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office are teaming up to conduct a second “high visibility enforcement patrol” Thursday in efforts to continue the shared mission of reducing injury, serious injury and fatal collisions.
Thursday’s HIVE patrol will focus on SR 3 and SR 16 in the vicinity of Gorst, according to a news release. Law enforcement motorcycle units, narcotics K9 teams, drug recognition experts and WSP aircraft will participate in the day-long emphasis.
“I appreciate the partnership of these agencies to remind motorists to drive safely so we can reach our goal of zero fatalities,” said Kitsap County Target Zero manager Marsha Masters.
“One life lost is one too many, and it’s up to all of us to take driving seriously, not only in the area, but wherever you travel. When you drive, you need to be driving — buckle up, pay attention, slow down and drive sober.”
This is the second HIVE patrol focused on the Gorst area. The first occurred Jan. 23, focusing on SR 16 and SR 160 in Port Orchard, the release stated. WSP data collected since 2014 shows the five-mile radius near Gorst as a high collision volume area, with 25 percent of the crashes resulting in injury, serious injuries or fatalities.
Port Orchard police officers were out in force Thursday morning, however, on portions of Tremont Street to enforce the 35-mile-per-hour speed limit on that arterial.
Emphasis efforts will also focus on key problem times throughout the day. During the Jan. 23 emphasis, patrols conducted 83 traffic stops between 2 and 6 p.m., which is when 40 percent of collisions occur in the Gorst area. No collisions were reported in the emphasis area during the HIVE patrol.
HIVE patrols focus on collision causing violations, including speed, following distance, impaired driving, distracted driving and aggressive driving behaviors. In addition to Thursday’s HIVE patrol, a third patrol is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27, focusing on state route 303.
