The focus of these patrols will be to increase pedestrian safety by conducting high-visibility enforcement of pedestrian violations for crossing outside of crosswalks, with an emphasis on education and warnings rather than citations

VANCOUVER – In 2024, the Vancouver Police Department Traffic Unit investigated a record high 15 fatality collisions. In an effort to increase safety and reduce collisions, the Vancouver Police Department, in concert with the city of Vancouver’s Local Road Safety Plan and Washington Traffic Safety Commission Target Zero campaigns, will be conducting additional traffic safety emphasis patrols from December 20 – January 5. 

The focus of these patrols will be to increase pedestrian safety by conducting high-visibility enforcement of pedestrian violations for crossing outside of crosswalks, with an emphasis on education and warnings rather than citations. Additionally, officers will seek to enforce traffic laws with the goal of changing dangerous driving behaviors, which contribute to traffic collisions.

Studies of traffic-related fatalities indicate effective countermeasures involve the “four E’s”: Engineering, Education, Enforcement, and Emergency Response.

The city of Vancouver has identified specific engineering and roadway design countermeasures in the    2022 Local Road Safety Plan.

New state laws take effect in 2025 which are intended to enhance safety for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals using personal mobility devices. Under the new laws, negligent drivers that cause serious injury or death of a vulnerable road user face increased fines, driving privilege suspensions, and imprisonment. 

• RCW 46.61.5259 Negligent driving with a vulnerable user victim—First degree—Penalties—Definitions. (Effective January 1, 2025.)
• RCW 46.61.526 Negligent driving—With a vulnerable user victim—Second degree—Penalties—Definitions. (Effective January 1, 2025.)

As part of this emphasis, the Vancouver Police Department will be educating drivers regarding the new laws that take effect January 1, 2025, which are aimed at reducing injuries and deaths from crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists. 

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) will be running an educational campaign to inform drivers of the new laws and promote road safety. Educational messages will also be posted on the Vancouver Police Department social media channels including Facebook, X, Instagram and Nextdoor.com.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission has information regarding the new laws at: New Law to Protect Vulnerable Road Users Takes Effect January 1st – Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

Additional information regarding the Vancouver Police Department’s traffic safety efforts can be found on the VPD Traffic Safety page. 

Information provided by the Vancouver Police Department.