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Washington State Patrol increasing presence around WWU for safe holiday travel

The Washington State Department of Transportation and the Washington State Patrol operate their Bellingham facilities adjacent to each other.
The Washington State Department of Transportation and the Washington State Patrol operate their Bellingham facilities adjacent to each other. The Bellingham Herald

To make sure everyone gets home safely for the Thanksgiving holiday, Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement will be increasing their patrols around Western Washington University on Wednesday evening.

The patrol, titled “No Tipsy Turkeys,” was announced Monday by WSP. It will be conducted in collaboration with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

Participating law enforcement will be focusing on collision-causing traffic violations such as speed, following distance and impaired, distracted and aggressive driving.

Ten crashes were recorded in Whatcom County on the day before Thanksgiving last year, according to WSP data. No injuries were reported.

“Our goal is that everyone has a chance to spend time responsibly with their families,” said WSP Lt. Scott Betts.

WSP is also reminding drivers and passengers to always wear seatbelts.

This story was originally published November 24, 2025 at 1:27 PM.

Hannah Edelman
The Bellingham Herald
Hannah Edelman joined The Bellingham Herald in January 2025 as courts and investigations reporter. Edelman resides in Burlington. Support my work with a digital subscription
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