GEORGE — The Watershed Festival at the Gorge Amphitheatre is one of the biggest country music festivals you can find. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday thousands of people are expected to flock to the Gorge and create traffic delays on Interstate 90 along the way.

The Washington State Patrol is ramping up its presence on the I-90 corridor to focus on the influx of traffic that is expected. Trooper Brian Moore said troopers will be focusing on impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers over the weekend.

“Washington law now prohibits the hand held use of any electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Phones must be mounted or stored for safe vehicle operation. Distracted driving is the leading cause of traffic fatalities among teen drivers and is quickly becoming a leading cause of all fatality collisions,” Moore stated. “Troopers will also be focusing on unrestrained occupants. Seat belts save lives. Drivers are reminded that all seats are required to be occupied prior to allowing any passengers to ride in the bed of their trucks. Allowing passengers to ride in the bed of trucks is an unsafe practice and highly discouraged. It is illegal to allow anyone under 16 to ride in the bed of a truck.”

People traveling on I-90 near Vantage and over Snoqualmie Pass Friday through Sunday should pencil in extra travel time, as lengthy delays are expected. Moore encouraged motorists to be prepared ahead of time for potential hot weather, keep ample water in their vehicle and ensure their vehicle is in good working order.

To check out traffic delays visit the DOT’s website www.wsdot.wa.gov.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.