August 28, 2024
KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. – Washington State Patrol (WSP) District 6 is conducting another High Visibility Enforcement (HiVE) patrol, with the goal of reducing serious injury and fatality collisions in the greater Kittitas area during the Ellensburg Rodeo.
Our eighth HiVE patrol will take place August 28 to September 2 during the Ellensburg Rodeo and will focus on driving behaviors that lead to serious injury and/or fatality collisions. Specifically: Speeding, Aggressive Driving, Use of Electronic Devices, and Bad Passing. Due to half of our fatality collisions in District 6 resulting from unrestrained occupants, seatbelt enforcement will be strictly enforced.
The Ellensburg Rodeo is by far one of the most historical events that takes place in eastern Washington every Labor Day weekend. One of the oldest and most celebrated rodeos in the United States, it has become a symbol of Western heritage that attracts thousands of spectators from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Not only spectators, but over 600 contestants come to participate in the Rodeo each year.
“With the excitement of the Ellensburg Rodeo drawing crowds from across the state, it’s crucial that everyone takes extra care while driving. The Ellensburg Rodeo and the Washington State Patrol urges everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. Let’s ensure that the only thing making headlines this weekend is the incredible Ellensburg Rodeo, not preventable collisions. Together, we can all arrive safely and enjoy Rodeo Weekend in Ellensburg responsibly,” said Buddy Stanavich Director of Marketing & Media for the Ellensburg Rodeo. He went on to say, “With our program, SAFE RIDE, we make it possible for any impaired driver leaving our rodeo can be transported to a safe place”.
WSP HiVE patrols utilize agency data to ensure resources are placed in the right locations at the right time to make the most impact. They also use extra resources to include K-9 troopers, Aggressive Driving Apprehension Team (ADAT) and allied agencies to focus on their efforts.
Updates on the progress throughout the HiVE patrol will be provided on WSP District 6 social media platforms, including Instagram (wastatepatrol_d6) and/or X (@wspd6pio).
For questions or interviews, please contact Back-up Public Information Officer Trooper Jeremiah Matthews.
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