Kitsap and Pierce counties to conduct DUI emphasis patrols

Law enforcement agencies in Kitsap and Pierce counties are cracking down on dangerous driving.

“We’re going to focus on being out there, being very vigilant,” said Washington State Patrol spokesperson Robert Reyer.

The 24-hour operation started at 6 a.m. Friday.

“Traffic emphasis between the Hood Canal Bridge and the Narrows Bridge here in Tacoma, and our troopers here in Pierce County will be extending that reach all the way to I-5 and State Route 512,” said Reyer.

Reyer says officers will focus on nighttime hours, primarily watching out for signs of impairment.

“We will have a lot of different resources out to specifically focus on driving under the influence. We will have a mobile impaired driving unit out, we will have aviation out, drug recognition experts,” said Reyer.

Tricia Williams who lives in Gig Harbor is glad to hear about these efforts.

“Yeah, I think it’s needed. I’ve actually recently commented to my husband about cars that sort of randomly speed up, and slow down, and kind of cut you off,” said Williams.

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in speeds and also some aggressive driving behaviors, and that is something we definitely want to emphasize,” said Reyer.

During last year’s Bridge to Bridge operation, nine drivers were arrested for DUI, 79 were pulled over for speeding, and 29 for aggressive driving.

©2023 Cox Media Group