Troopers say inattentive drivers making risky moves on new I-5 lanes in Tacoma

TACOMA, Wash. — Inattentive drivers dealing with new lane configurations on southbound I-5 in Tacoma are causing some people to drive over gore points, risking a large fine.

Gore points are the triangular zones to help manage merging traffic.

It’s illegal to cross such zones and starting Friday, drivers caught doing so can receive a $411 fine.

KIRO 7 went on a ride-along with Washington State Troopers who say they are seeing more drivers crossing the gore points after the implementation of new traffic lanes in Tacoma.

They say people who aren’t paying attention are ignoring numerous signs warning drivers to merge early to either go south on I-5 or exit onto highway 16.

Drivers caught off guard then sometimes swerve over several lanes and cross the gore points to get to those lanes.

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Troopers say that can be very dangerous. With the new lane shift, there's a barrier separating three left lanes that go straight south toward Olympia.

“Cars are just going everywhere anyway they want to on the freeway right now. If you think you are taking the wrong exit go to the next exit and turn around,” said Trooper Brooke Bova.

The problem is getting so bad that troopers have posted a video on social media to explain to drivers why driving over gore points is not only dangerous, but illegal.

Cox Media Group