Thanksgiving/Apple Cup emphasis patrols underway

PULLMAN — Got tickets to see the Cougars take on the Huskies in the Apple Cup on Saturday? Or maybe you are a Washington State University student heading home for the holidays from Pullman. If any of those scenarios apply to you then you might want to pay close attention to speed limit signs on your trip. The Washington State Patrol is conducting a multi-district WSU Thanksgiving/Apple Cup emphasis patrol until Sunday.

People traveling to and from WSU will see an increased presence of troopers on state routes 26 and 195 and Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass. Troopers in Spokane, Whitman, Adams, Grant and Kittitas counties are focusing on speeding, including driving too fast for conditions, distracted/impaired driving and other collision-causing violations.

“Students traveling across the state should make sure to prepare their vehicles for winter travel conditions. A small emergency kit with water, food, blankets, tire chains and emergency flares is a good idea,” stated the patrol in a release. “Make sure all the fluids in vehicles are full and the vehicle’s battery is in good working order. Good all-season or snow tires are advised and may be required when traveling over the mountain passes.”

Travelers are encouraged to visit the Washington State Department of Transportation's website for real-time updates on road and weather conditions.

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