KISM’s Brad Cash Sings About Cell Phones

KISM morning show hosts Brad Cash and Bill Davis spoke with the Traffic Guy about the new cell phone law that requires drivers to use hands-free devices to talk on the phone while driving. Brad even rewrote a couple of classic rock songs for the occasion. Take a listen to Hands Free and No More Talkin’ on the Freeway. You can find more about the cell phone law on our LAW page.

DOT Construction Updates

The Washington Department of Transportation has construction updates on-line for State Highways in Whatcom County. If you’re concerned about construction delays, take a look at the DOT website to see if your route will be affected by construction work. The page is updated frequently so you can plan accordingly.

Myth About Pregnant Women and Seatbelts Dispelled

Recently the University of Michigan conducted a study regarding seat belt use by pregnant women and how it affects the fetus in a crash. The long-standing thought was that a fetus would be harmed if the pregnant woman wore a seatbelt. The results of this study contrasted that myth and concluded that pregnant women should buckle up to protect their unborn baby. Researchers concluded that about 200 fetuses each year would not be lost if pregnant women properly used their seatbelts every time they were in an automobile. You can read more about this study at the University of Michigan website.

Simulated DUI Crash

Emergency responders from Whatcom County presented a simulated DUI crash for the students of Meridian High School. From the moment of the call to 911 students witnessed a tragic scene as medical responders, law enforcement and Airlift Northwest all came to the scene. Watch it here.

Special Olympics Torch Run

Officers in Whatcom County joined together to support the Special Olympics by running the torch from the Canadian border to the Skagit county line. Watch the video here.

2008 Fatal and Critical Injury Crashes in Whatcom County

The traffic division Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office keeps a visual reminder of why law enforcement agencies in our county diligently enforce traffic laws. The photo on the right comes from a board in the WCSO traffic unit’s office. It lists every crash in Whatcom County, including state highways, county roads and city streets, that resulted in a fatality or a critical injury in 2007. Unfortunately, a similar log is well underway for 2009. Traffic crashes are the number one cause of death for people under the age of 35 in Washington. Crashes also cause more injuries than any other crime.

Of the 21 fatal crashes in Whatcom County in 2008, 9 involved impaired drivers - that’s 43% of all fatal crashes. Although speeding is not part of this chart, it was also a factor in many of the crashes. In fact, impairment and speeding are factors in the majority of crashes in our county and our state.

You can get a closer look at the 2008 fatal crashes in Whatcom County by clicking here. Take a moment to remind yourself how important safe driving is. Your decision to drive safe can save your life or the life of someone else.

Law enforcement agencies in Whatcom County have been participating in the statewide X52 emphasis patrols. Somewhere in Washington, every week, emphasis patrols are happening. These patrols focus in speeding drivers and impaired drivers, in an effort to reduce crashes and traffic fatalities on our roads. Take a look at the X52 video to see what it’s all about.