Southwest Washington – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) District 5 is teaming up with troopers in the air this week to bring Target Zero Aeiral Patrols (TZAP) to Southwest Washington (SWWA). The WSP’s Aviation Section is a force multiplier, using TZAP to support the statewide Target Zero initiative. Target Zero aims to reduce serious injury and fatality crashes on our roadways by 2030. TZAP supports that mission by putting troopers in the air and on the ground to combat dangerous driving behaviors.
Troopers will fly night missions, utilizing the aerial vantage point to detect and report traffic violations. The airplanes are equipped with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) cameras and crewed by two troopers. These patrols are specifically focused on identifying aggressive and reckless drivers. Many times, these patrols can also identify impaired drivers.
As we approach the final days of summer, the WSP wants to remind motorists it only takes a few minutes to make a responsible decision that may prevent a tragedy that will result in life-lasting impacts. Reduce your speeds, increase following distance, don’t drive impaired, and always buckle up!
Additional patrols from the WSP will be conducted in Lewis, Cowlitz, Clark, and Skamania counties and will continue through Sunday, Aug. 18. Troopers will focus on dangerous driving behaviors, including speeding, racing, and impaired driving from the ground and the air.
While patrols try to stay along the Interstate 5 corridor, it is possible the plane could make it to Klickitat County as well.
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