Olympia, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is partnering with the Washington Traffic
Safety Commission, with support from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association and Michelin
Mobility Intelligence, to measure the impacts of emphasis efforts on driving behavior in four specific
areas of the state starting Monday, June 16 through Thursday, July 31. The corridor emphases will
coincide with the deployment of new Target Zero Trooper (TZT) personnel in six of WSP’s eight
service districts. TZT seeks to eliminate fatality and serious injury collisions by intercepting high-risk
driving behavior through strategically deployed enforcement patrols.
Using data provided by Michelin Mobility Intelligence and information from WSP’s field operations and
aviation resources, the study will measure the effectiveness of traffic safety emphasis patrols on
strategically targeted roadways identified through telematics data analysis. In addition, the study will
evaluate how targeted roadway enforcement efforts impact surrounding roadways and auxiliary
routes as driver behavior often shifts away from emphasis efforts.
“Michelin Mobility Intelligence provided an analysis of high-risk driver behavior, most notably
speeding, for identifying the locations most likely to have future serious crashes. Troopers now have
a data tool that will inform which areas of the state roadway network exhibit the most frequent highrisk driving behaviors and the days and times when these behaviors are most prevalent. Knowing
exactly where to go and when will prevent these behaviors from turning to tragedy,” said Dr. Staci
Hoff, Research Director with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
This information will help law enforcement better understand high-risk driving behaviors and
enforcement impacts, leading to safer roads for the motoring public. The goal and value of deterrence
will be realized when the public makes proactive changes to avoid dangerous driving behavior.
“We’re looking for the motoring public to take an active role in this study, too, through responsible
driving behavior. Emphasis efforts can lead to better driving decisions and habits, which lead to safer
roadways for all,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “We want drivers to slow down, pay attention to
the road, and never drive impaired. But most importantly, we want drivers to arrive safely at their
destination each and every time they take to the roadway.”
WSP: Impacts of Emphasis Efforts to be Measured
