Washington State Patrol troopers in the Basin are increasing their patrols on the stretch of state Route 17, between Moses Lake and Othello, due to an upward trend of fatal, serious injury and other collisions this year.

So far in 2021, troopers responded to 48 collisions, including two fatal and nine serious injury, the latter of which included two impaired drivers in the 28-mile area, according to a release from the WSP. Those numbers are 14% of collisions in the Basin patrol area, which includes Grant County, portions of Okanogan County (north of Grand Coulee Dam), Douglas County (near Bridgeport), and Adams County (Othello area), and is one of the largest patrol areas in the state.

Public Information Officer Trooper John Bryant said checking for speeding is always a priority, “as it is a major factor for injury and fatality collisions, along with impaired, distracted and erratic driving”

Troopers stopped 799 vehicles for speeding and arrested 18 drivers for DUI in the area, the latter of which has increased, according to the release. The other causes of collisions are following too closely, speed too fast for conditions and failing to yield the right of way.

“If the trends continue, they will increase the roadway danger for motorists for the rest of the summer through the fall harvest and into the holiday season at the end of the year,” the release stated.

Citizens are welcome to report erratic drivers to dispatch at 509-762-1160.

The Washington State Department of Transportation plans to improve safety in the area.