WSP: Pierce, Thurston County fatal crashes increased by 36% in 2021
(Washington State Patrol)
PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. - Road conditions can change on a dime during Western Washington's winter months.
State troopers in the Pierce-Thurston region say they have been called to 36% more fatal crashes in 2021 than the year prior. Trooper Robert Reyer says in 2020, troopers handled 28 fatal crashes.
In 2021, that number rose to 38.
It is unknown what degree that shift can be attributed to early pandemic precautions—in the first months of COVID-19, many commuters opted to stay home or put off travel, especially during Inslee's lockdown measures.
Data for 2022 fatal crashes is not yet known, and likely cannot be meaningfully compared to previous years yet.
RELATED: West Seattle bridge work reaches milestone
Get breaking news alerts in the FREE FOX 13 Seattle app. Download for Apple iOS or Android. And sign up for BREAKING NEWS emails delivered straight to your inbox.
Stay connected with FOX 13 News on all platforms:
DOWNLOAD: FOX 13 News and Weather Apps
WATCH: FOX 13 News Live
SUBSCRIBE: FOX 13 on YouTube
DAILY BRIEF: Sign Up For Our Newsletter
FOLLOW: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram