COVID-19 OPEN ROADS- Please Observe Speed Limits

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) wants you to know that they will not make traffic stops to check on your travel status. They will stop you for speeding. The only documents you need to have for a traffic stop is your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

Traffic Stops. WSP in District 4, including Spokane County, recently has noted that it has had reports of “impersonator incidents in our area.” WSP says that it “…is NOT making traffic stops just to check travel status.” And WSP emphasizes that “troopers will always clearly identify themselves and present official identification when requested.”  

If you suspect that you are being stopped by a police impersonator WSP recommends that you,

·         Slow down and activate your 4-way flashing lights

·         Call 911

·         Be prepared to give the call taker a description of your vehicle and its location

·         If close by, you can stop at a highly populated and visible area such as a grocery store.

Speeding. While we are under the Stay-At-Home order, you might have to go to the grocery store, pharmacy, or to your essential workplace. You probably have noticed that the streets and highways do not have the same amount of traffic than it did before the Stay-At-Home order.

The Washington State Patrol and some other local police departments have noticed that some drivers have been taking advantage of the lighter traffic by driving as fast as they can.

Troopers have caught people speeding almost 30 mph over the speed limit and in eastern Washington, attaining speeds up to 130 mph.

Earlier this month, the Lynnwood Police Department posted on its Facebook page that they are seeing a significant increase in traffic violations such as speeding, DUI, and reckless driving. It notes that it is stopping more cars for speeding and violations and for higher speeds over the limit, such as 20 mph over the limit near parks and where children are playing, and pedestrians are walking.

The Edmonds Police Department recently reminded drivers and pedestrians to watch out for one another and to obey traffic and pedestrian laws.

During the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home order Sheriff’s deputies and police officers continue to patrol our neighborhoods and commercial areas and will stop you for speeding.

Washington State Patrol:

https://twitter.com/wspd4pio/status/1248742656500363265?s=20

https://twitter.com/wspd3pio/status/1248632057749598208?s=09



KOMO News:

https://komonews.com/news/local/130-mph-troopers-note-alarming-trend-of-speeding-drivers-amid-empty-freeways



Lynnwood Police Department:

https://www.facebook.com/LynnwoodPolice/



Edmonds Police Department

https://www.facebook.com/EdmondsPoliceDepartment/photos/a.459643557549686/1418568551657177/?type=3&theater