After the coronavirus health crisis prompted Washington Gov. Jay Inslee to issue a stay home order, we urged Washingtonians to be aware of the risks of driving while stressed. Despite our warning, law enforcement agents across the state are reporting an increase in speeding and reckless driving.
According to local news outlets, state troopers are seeing fewer cars on the roads. However, that isn’t stopping drivers from acting recklessly and driving at excessive speeds.
At times, troopers told reporters, they see cars going as fast as 135 miles per hour. On Easter Sunday, a trooper added, a driver traveling near Prosser was caught going 111 miles per hour in a 65 miles per hour zone.
Local Drivers Know The Rules, Yet They Are Being Reckless, Speeding
WSP troopers said that while drivers are traveling at high speeds, speed limits have been posted for years. While many may think that drivers traveling recklessly are from out of state, the truth is that 90% of drivers pulled over during Easter weekend were locals.
As a matter of fact, officials told reporters, the highest speed limit anywhere in the state is 70 miles an hour. Local drivers know this and should act accordingly, even if there are fewer motorists on the roads.
Just because traffic is light, it doesn’t mean drivers are allowed to endanger themselves or others.
In order to prevent accidents, officials are urging drivers to obey speed limits and to keep in mind that if they are caught going at high speeds they will be slapped with fines. In some cases, they added, drivers may even go to jail.
If you have to hit the road in the coming days and you’re worried your state of mind might affect your driving, stay home. If you absolutely must drive, remember to stay calm, follow traffic laws, and avoid accidents by staying focused on the road and on the act of driving.
To read more about what law enforcement agents are saying, follow this link.
