No speeder safe on U.S. 2

MONROE — Washington State Patrol troopers are now watching out for speeders, aggressive drivers and drunks on U.S. 2 not only on the ground, but also from the air.

A single-engine airplane on Thursday morning flew over the Skykomish Valley, spotting aggressive drivers on the highway between Monroe and Sultan. The pilot in the Cessna 182 talked over the radio with four troopers on the ground, who stopped the drivers.

“We are trying to be very aggressive and very innovative,” said Kirk Rudeen, one of the four troopers.

It was the first time the State Patrol had used an aircraft to crack down on those who don’t obey road rules on U.S. 2 between the two growing cities, Rudeen said.

Rapid growth in the area has increased traffic on the two-lane highway. Troopers don’t have much room to maneuver when they need to chase or stop speeders, drunks and aggressive drivers, Rudeen said. An aircraft makes their job more efficient.

The State Patrol’s attention and effort make a big difference improving safety on U.S. 2, said Sultan City Councilman John Seehuus, a founding member of the U.S. 2 Safety Coalition, a grass-roots group of local residents, officials and business people.

“I think it’s long overdue and very greatly appreciated,” Seehuus said.

Troopers are paying close attention to U.S. 2, on which 45 people have died in accidents and crashes between Snohomish and Stevens Pass over the last eight years, according to state accident data.

The highway has gained attention from state leaders, thanks to aggressive and persistent efforts by residents to make the road safer. Gov. Chris Gregoire toured the highway on Sept. 11 and vowed to fix it. A month later, the governor announced that U.S. 2 would be designated a safety corridor, making it easier to secure federal money to improve safety on the highway.

About $3.6 million will be spent in 2008 to install center line rumble strips on the highway between Monroe and Stevens Pass to help prevent crossover crashes.

At least four troopers are patrolling U.S. 2 all day, Rudeen said. In addition to using an aircraft, the State Patrol plans to add a few troopers on the highway over the next few months, using part of its overtime money.

“If you drive on Highway 2, expect to see a trooper,” Rudeen said.

It’s bad and impaired drivers who cause crashes, Rudeen said. In 2006, troopers on U.S. 2 arrested 260 people suspected of driving under the influence and stopped 7,298 people suspected of speeding and 854 suspected of aggressive driving.

On Thursday, the Cessna crisscrossed above the highway between 6 and 8 a.m. During that time, troopers on the ground stopped eight drivers; five of them got tickets for speeding, Rudeen said.

At 7:22 a.m., Rudeen got a message from the aircraft and stopped a Sultan driver heading toward Monroe. The driver was trailing a semi-truck too closely.

You’ve got to pay attention to your driving,” he said. “There’s little room for error” on U.S. 2.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

A view of a homes in Edmonds, Washington on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County to mail property tax statements this month

First half payments are due on April 30.

Ticket and ORCA card kiosks at the Lynnwood Light Rail station on Thursday, April 4, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Beginning March 1, Community Transit to reduce some fares

Riders eligible for reduced fares will pay $1 for a single ORCA card tap and $36 for a monthly pass.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The amphitheater at Deception Pass during the 2021 concert series. (Photo provided by Deception Pass Park Foundation Facebook page.)
Deception Pass Foundation seeks Adopt-A-Trail volunteers

If you’re looking for a way to get outside and… Continue reading

A pedestrian is struck and killed by vehicle Wednesday in Everett

The pedestrian was a man in his 60s. The collision happened at 5:30 a.m. on Broadway.

Want coffee? Drink some with the Marysville mayor.

A casual question-and-answer session between mayor and constituents is planned for March 24.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.