State police in Washington, Oregon, California to focus on I-5 for holiday weekend

SEATTLE -- State police along the West Coast -- the Washington State Patrol, Oregon State Police and California Highway Patrol  -- announced Monday they are joining forces for an “I-5 Challenge” to encourage drivers to get through the Thanksgiving holiday extended weekend with zero fatalities on Interstate 5.

Starting Wednesday evening, Nov. 27, and through Sunday night, state law enforcement officers from San Diego through Oregon and up to Bellingham, Wash.,will be on the lookout for impaired drivers.

“Join us in the commitment to keep our highways safer by having a designated sober driver at all times,” OSP Superintendent Richard Evans said. “Driving while impaired seriously jeopardizes your safety and the safety of others on the road around you.”

CHP, WSP and OSP officers will focus on traffic collision-causing violations that are known to be factors that often lead to tragedies and end in people not arriving safely to their destinations. Speed, aggressive and distracted driving often top the list, along with driving while impaired and failing to use safety belts and child safety seats.

The agencies encourage drivers to slow down, pack your patience, drive sober and buckle up.