State Patrol chief concerned over increase in traffic deaths

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- State troopers are urging motorists to drive more carefully following the deadliest weekend for traffic crashes in Washington this year.

Ten people were killed last weekend in crashes across the state. Five of the victims died in Yakima County — three Yakima brothers in a Sunday crash on U.S. Highway 12 and two motorcycle riders in separate crashes on Highway 12 and State Route 410.

State Patrol Chief John Batiste said he is greatly concerned by the deaths and does not want to see the tragedy repeat itself.

He blamed the crashes on decisions made by the drivers, not weather or other accidental factors.

“All of the contributing factors were choices made by the vehicle drivers,” Batiste said in a news release issued this morning. “We hope others will learn from these tragedies, and make better choices.”

The other fatal crashes happened in Snohomish, Thurston and Lincoln counties. Three victims died in the Snohomish crash, with one apiece in the other two.

Altogether, three of the victims were not wearing seat belts.  Other factors were alcohol, speed, aggressive driving, and driver inattention, officials said.

After a period of dry weather, troopers say the forecast shows rain is possible this weekend in some areas. That  could make roadways slick, so authorities are urging motorists to slow down.

-- Mark Morey