The Washington State Patrol (WSP) Commercial Vehicle Division will conduct “fatigued driving” emphasis patrols in Thurston County throughout the fall and winter of 2026, with a focus on identifying and addressing commercial motor vehicle operators who may be driving while fatigued.
The mission of WSP’s Commercial Vehicle Division is to promote the safe travel of commercial motor vehicles through education and enforcement, a WSP news release stated. Collision data has identified driver fatigue as one of the leading contributing factors in commercial motor vehicle collisions.
Fatigue can significantly affect a driver’s alertness, decision-making, attention and reaction time. The effects of severe fatigue can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle and can increase the risk of a serious collision. Unlike many roadway hazards, fatigue is preventable when drivers recognize the signs and make the decision to stop driving and get adequate rest.
Beginning in October, WSP troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers (CVEOs) will conduct two fatigued driving emphasis patrols each month on Interstate 5 between mileposts 100 and 111 in Thurston County.
The scheduled 2026 emphasis patrols are:
• Oct. 7 and 22
• Nov. 3 and 24
• Dec. 2 and 15
Troopers and CVEOs will also be looking for additional moving and equipment violations to help ensure the continued safety of everyone who shares the road.
Preventing fatigue-related collisions is a shared responsibility, the news release stated. WSP encourages commercial drivers, motor carriers and all roadway users to recognize the signs of fatigue and take appropriate steps to prevent a collision before it happens.
