There were no reported alcohol-related deaths on Kitsap’s state roads in 2008, according to Washington State Patrol (WSP).

The 28 troopers and four sergeants that comprise the four Bremerton detachments narrowed their focus on collision-causing behaviors such as impaired driving, speeding and failure to wear seat belts. WSP said these efforts resulted in no alcohol-related fatalities and one reported fatality that was contributed to speed.

After overcoming a shortage of area troopers, the Bremerton detachment saw a staff increase in April 2008, according to WSP.

“Troopers are working hard to eliminate injury and fatality collisions and we need the public to partner with us as collisions don’t just happen, they are caused,” Lt. Ken Noland stated in a news release.

Troopers assigned to the Bremerton area contacted more than 30,000 violators in 2008, with more than 14,700 of those speed-related. More than 9,000 tickets were issued to speeding drivers with more than a 60 percent enforcement rate, according to WSP. More than 830 drivers also were arrested for DUI.

Although there were six fatal collisions on Kitsap state roads last year, the total number of collisions has dropped from 1,296 in 2007 to 1,170 in 2008.

Troopers assisted more than 9,600 motorists, recovered 16 stolen vehicles, made more than 425 drug arrests, contacted more than 1,900 aggressive drivers and issued more than 1,850 tickets to those not wearing seat belts last year.