COMMUNITY

SLOW DOWN OR PAY UP THIS SATURDAY

By: Lyle Evansiano May 16, 2008

In an effort to protect citizens traveling on Pierce County roadways, the Tacoma Pierce County DUI Task Force will be conducting an all-day speed emphasis patrol this Saturday, May 17.

The statewide strategy, X-52, is aimed at saving lives with extra patrols, targeting DUI or speeding motorists. Last year in Pierce County, 59 motorists died in traffic collisions. “The majority of these,” said Mike Mitchell, chief of the Bonney Lake Police Department and the DUI Task Force, are caused by drivers who were drinking, drugging or speeding.

The X-52 campaign, which places additional officers on the road every week of the year instead of just during the holidays, is proving to be effective in reducing roadway deaths. “If you are a frequent flier on the roads, these patrols are designed to catch you,” added Chief Mitchell. A similar patrol conducted by the task force in February of this year resulted in over 600 motorists being cited for speeding.

The Fife Police Department will host a kick-off for the special emphasis and will be putting officers on the road beginning at 7 a.m. along with the Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood and the Sumner Police departments. The WSP and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department also will make extra troopers and deputies available for the crackdown.

In addition to Fife, law enforcement will be targeting five of the county’s speeding “hot spots” including River Road, SR 509, Valley Avenue East, SR 99 and SR 161 (Meridian). “It’s really pretty simple,” said Chief Mitchell. “Watch the foot and the speedometer. You’ll save yourself some money - almost a hundred dollars or more. Better yet, you could save a life.”

Gloria Mansfield Averill, Coordinator, Tacoma Pierce County DUI Task Force, 253-798-6112 or cell 253-222-9088; or Dick Ferguson, Media and Community Relations, 253-798-3979.