Whatcom County, WA – Between May 20 and June 2 extra law enforcement patrolled Whatcom County roads looking for unbuckled drivers and passengers, and motorists using their cell phones or other electronic devices.
During these patrols, 130 seatbelt infractions were written, in addition to 71 cell phone/texting or usage of other electronic device tickets. Last year, in Whatcom County, during this same time period, officers on extra patrols wrote 156 seat belt infractions and 42 cell phone violations.
In addition, one misdemeanor warrant arrest was made, and seven speeding tickets, six child passenger safety infractions as well as 29 uninsured motorists and eight suspended/revoked and non valid operator’s license violations were issued this year.
Statewide, during the patrols, law enforcement officers wrote 2,321 seatbelt violations and 1,448 cell phone/ texting tickets. Last year, during this same time period, officers on the extra patrols statewide issued 3,171 seat belt violations and 1,059 cell phone violations were written.
The Whatcom County Traffic Safety Task Force, law enforcement from Whatcom County, with more than 130 police and sheriff agencies statewide worked the extra patrols, funded by a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
These and all extra patrols are part of Target Zero—striving to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030. For more information, visit www.targetzero.com.

