More patrols on King County, WA roads for '100 Safe Days of Summer' program
Increased law enforcement patrols in western Washington aim to reduce road fatalities during the "100 Safe Days of Summer."
Speeding-related deaths have risen, with 31% of fatal crashes involving speeding drivers.
Officials urge safe driving practices and planning for sober transportation to prevent accidents.
BELLEVUE, Wash. - Expect to see a higher presence of law enforcement patrolling the roads in western Washington over the next few months, as part of the "100 Safe Days of Summer" program.
The effort aims to keep Washington roadways safe from June 6 through Labor Day weekend, which is typically the most dangerous time of the year.
Extra emphasis patrols are being deployed across King County as recent data suggests speeding-related deaths are on the rise.
By the numbers
Washington's roads had 253 fatal crashes between June and September, with 31% of them involving a speeding driver, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Data also shows fatal crashes involving speeding drivers have increased by 52% since 2019.
The 100 Safe Days of Summer is led by the King County Target Zero Coalition, which has the goal of reducing serious injuries and fatalities, among those walking, rolling, driving, and traveling on Washington roadways, to zero by 2030. They also lead the Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaigns.
"This is an opportunity to remind everyone there are simple things they can do to keep our roads safe – and driving the speed limit is at the top of that list," said Sara Hallstead, Target Zero Manager, South King County. "We urge everyone to avoid following the flow of traffic and instead focus on driving the posted speed limit, which exists to decrease the risk and severity of crashes."
While DUIs have gone down on state roads, substance use still remains one of the leading causes of deadly crashes in King County.
"We're going to have drug recognition experts, we're going to have the state patrol which will have a mobile impaired driving unit. That's essentially an RV that has troopers on board that are authorized to take blood draws if we need to, to complete breath samples if we need to, and so it's really going to streamline the process for our officers. So the takeaway this weekend is if you're going to go out, you're going to drink, you're going to have a good time, don't drive," said Officer Seth Tyler with the Bellevue Police Department.
Officials say if you see someone driving erratically, you're encouraged to call 911 and report it. This includes speeding, braking suddenly, swerving through lanes or making wide turns.
"Every one of us has a role to play. Planning ahead can save lives and protect our communities," said Hallstead. "If you're going out, make a plan for a safe ride home. You can designate a sober driver ahead of time, use ride share services, take public transportation, or stay the night at your destination."
More information about the 100 Safe Days of Summer program, visit the King County Target Zero website.
The Source
Information in this story came from a press release from the King County Target Zero Coalition and interviews with Bellevue Police.
Travis Decker manhunt: 'Remote' areas of 5 WA counties told to lock doors
Former Army squadmate shares insight into Travis Decker's military past
Miles Hudson found guilty on 2 counts of reckless driving in Seattle
Key figures from Bryan Kohberger's youth summoned to Idaho for student murders trial
Rochester dog training facility owner accused of killing employee during video shoot
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
31 minutes ago
- Associated Press
As Diddy awaits verdict, here's where his business ventures stand
LOS ANGELES (AP) — While Sean 'Diddy' Combs awaits a jury's verdict in his federal sex trafficking trial, the once-celebrated music mogul has seen his business empire rapidly unravel. Combs, 55, who is one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history, now faces charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking involving two former partners and transporting people across state lines for prostitution. Prosecutors have painted a dark portrait of the mogul, whose alleged pattern of violence included drug-fueled sex parties he reportedly called 'freak-offs' or 'hotel nights.' If convicted, the three-time Grammy winner could face life in prison. He has pleaded not guilty. Here's a closer look at how Combs' business portfolio and public image have crumbled under the weight of the allegations. What has happened to Combs' business empire? Before Combs was arrested and charged, his major business ventures had collapsed: He stepped down and later fully divested from Revolt TV, which was founded in 2013. The network offered a mix of programming focused on hip-hop culture, R&B music, social justice and documentaries. He also reportedly lost a Hulu reality series deal and saw his once-iconic fashion brand Sean John vanish from Macy's shelves. After surveillance footage surfaced last year showing Combs physically assaulting singer Cassie, his then-girlfriend, in 2016, consequences mounted: New York City revoked his ceremonial key, Peloton pulled his music, Howard University rescinded his honorary degree and his charter school in Harlem cut ties. Last year, Combs settled a legal dispute with Diageo, relinquishing control of his lucrative spirits brands, Ciroc and DeLeón. While many of his ventures have unraveled, his music catalog — for now — remains intact. Where does Combs' music stand? Bad Boy Records may be synonymous with 1990s icons like The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Ma$e, and 112, but Combs kept the label relevant before his arrest with high-profile releases. In 2023, Combs dropped ' The Love Album: Off the Grid,' which was his first solo studio album in nearly two decades, and Janelle Monáe released her critically acclaimed project ' The Age of Pleasure " through Bad Boy. Both albums earned Grammy nominations, with Monáe's effort recognized in the prestigious record of the year category. Ahead of the 'The Love Album' release, Combs made headlines by returning Bad Boy publishing rights to several former artists and songwriters, years after he was criticized for how he handled their contracts. Bad Boy Records remains operational, but the label has been significantly shaken by Combs' legal firestorm and it hasn't announced any major upcoming releases. Last week, a surprise EP called 'Never Stop' released by his son, King Combs, and Ye (formerly Kanye West), showed support for the embattled mogul. The project was released through Goodfellas Entertainment. Bad Boy Records remained active through 2022, backing Machine Gun Kelly's 'Mainstream Sellout' under the Bad Boy umbrella. He was a producer on MTV's reality television series 'Making the Band,' and 'Making His Band,' launching the careers of artists like the girl group Danity Kane and male R&B group Day 26. Could Diddy's fortune be at risk? Combs has been sued by multiple people who claim to have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. He has already paid $20 million to settle with one accuser, his former girlfriend Cassie. Most of those lawsuits, though, are still pending. It isn't clear how many, if any, will be successful, or how much it will cost Combs to defend himself in court. Combs and his lawyers have denied all the misconduct allegations and dismissed his accusers as out for a big payday. Federal prosecutors have also informed the court that if Combs is convicted, they would seek to have him forfeit any assets, including property, 'used to commit or facilitate' his crimes. They won't detail exactly what property that might involve until after the trial is over. How is Diddy's music faring on streaming? Despite the legal turmoil surrounding Combs, his music catalog remains widely available on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. None of the streamers have publicly addressed whether they plan to adjust how his music is featured if Combs is convicted. Interestingly, Combs' music saw a roughly 20% boost in U.S. streaming between April and May 2025, his biggest monthly spike this year, according to Luminate. The numbers jump coincided with key moments in the trial, including testimonies from Cassie and Kid Cudi. However, there was a slight drop-off with a 5 to 10% decrease in June compared to the previous month's streams. Streaming makes up a fraction of an artist's revenue and is calculated through a complicated process called 'streamshare.' Most artists see very little pay from digital services. What happened to other businesses like Sean John? Sean John, founded in 1998, has gone largely dormant, with its presence disappearing from major retailers like Macy's. There are no clear signs of a relaunch on the horizon. In 2023, Combs launched Empower Global, an online marketplace designed to uplift Black-owned businesses and strengthen the Black dollar. He positioned the platform as a modern-day 'Black Wall Street,' backing it with a reported $20 million of his own investment. The platform debuted with 70 brands and planned to expand by onboarding new Black-owned businesses each month, aiming to feature more than 200 by year's end. However, as 2023 came to a close, several brands cut ties with Empower Global. It was reported that some cited disappointing performance and growing concerns over the misconduct allegations surrounding Combs. ___ AP Music Writer Maria Sherman contributed to this report.
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
North Texas fireworks stand burglary suspect caught on camera offered forgiveness, reward, and a job, owner says
A suspect was caught on camera stealing thousands of dollars of inventory from a Crowley fireworks stand, the owner said. Now, the owner is offering forgiveness, a $200 reward and a job to that suspect. Surveillance video shows a Dodge pickup backing into the lot at Johnny Fireworks at 5 a.m. last Friday. The driver loads up and drives off with thousands of dollars worth of fireworks and leaves behind thousands of dollars in damage, according to the stand's co-owner, Jonathan Cook. "To the person who broke into our fireworks stand and drove off with thousands of dollars worth of inventory in the back of your Dodge truck—thank you," Cook posted on social media. "Not because we enjoyed waking up to damaged buildings and missing product. Not because theft is ever justified. But because your actions reminded me of something bigger: people are hurting." Cook is offering the suspect a $200 reward and even a job if he turns himself in and can give back any of the stolen merchandise. "For you to break in this brazen of a crime, risk everything, commit felonies, you must be in a really desperate place, and my heart breaks for you because of where you are," said Cook. "I want to show you grace. I'm praying for you." The Tarrant County Sheriff's Office said it was called to the fireworks stand; however, it has not yet received a list of everything that was stolen and is "waiting for the business owner to provide further information related to the theft so the investigation can move forward."
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Former FBI agent pardoned by Trump for Jan. 6 charges now serving at DOJ: Sources
A former FBI agent accused of egging on rioters to attack police during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol is now serving in the Justice Department as part of the so-called "Weaponization Working Group," sources familiar with the appointment confirmed to ABC News. Jared Wise was on trial when he was pardoned as part of President Donald Trump's sweeping series of pardons and commutations for nearly all of the more than 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the Capitol attack. According to sources, Wise is now serving in the department as an investigator and counselor to Ed Martin, the former interim D.C. U.S. Attorney, whose permanent nomination to the post was rejected by Republican senators concerned over his past vocal advocacy for Jan. 6 rioters and other controversial actions he took in Trump's first four months in office. MORE: Trump admin live updates: House takes up Senate's version of Trump's megabill The New York Times first reported Wise's appointment at the DOJ. Wise was charged in May 2023 and later indicted, with prosecutors pointing to videos showing him yelling "Kill 'em!" repeatedly as rioters attacked police outside of the Capitol building. He also allegedly entered the building for roughly nine minutes and then continued shouting at police. 'You guys are disgusting," Wise allegedly said in body camera footage recorded by law enforcement. "I'm former law enforcement. You're disgusting. You are the Nazi. You are the Gestapo. You can't see it. . . . Shame on you! Shame on you! Shame on you!' A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment when asked about Wise's appointment. Martin also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
