Pierce County increases patrols on Canyon Road after tragic high-speed accident

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington — The Pierce County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) said it is pursuing speeding and other traffic violations on Canyon Road East.

“We hear you, Pierce County! Have you noticed all the patrol cars on Canyon Road E? Over the course of two days, officers spent 122.5 hours on Canyon Road,” sheriff's officials wrote in an article on their website Saturday.

According to PCSD, there were 278 traffic violations and 68 verbal warnings. The violations ranged from speeding to using electronic devices, not wearing a seatbelt, drunk driving arrests and driving without a license.

“We would like to thank the Pierce County Traffic Safety Task Force for making our roads safer. The task force includes police officers from Tacoma, Ruston, Puyallup, Lakewood and Pierce County.”

This focus was put in place after a fatal fire accident in August, which increased concerns about excessive speed on the road.

The accident occurred at the corner of Canyon Road East and 160th Street in Pierce County. Authorities said a speeding car ignored a red light and collided with another car.

Both vehicles caught fire and both drivers were killed in the accident. A 911 caller said he believed the suspect vehicle was traveling at 210 km/h before the collision.

RELATED: 2 drivers die in fiery, high-speed car crash in Pierce County

The victim was identified by the family as 21-year-old Elijah Williams, who authorities said was turning left when he was hit.

“The turning vehicle had a green light, the speeding vehicle had a red light,” Sergeant Darren Moss of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department said at the time. “There were no skid marks on the road, which tells us he didn't even hit the brakes.”

After the accident, a vigil was held to honor Williams and demand change.

SEE ALSO | Candlelight vigil for 21-year-old killed by speeder in Pierce County

“No family should have to endure the pain we are experiencing,” said his aunt, Tomieka Quinn. “We are asking for everyone's support to make this intersection in particular and all of Canyon Road safer. Together, we can honor the memory of those we have lost by ensuring no more lives are cut short.”

The road has a speed limit of 45 mph, but it is a straight stretch of road and if you spend a little time in the area you will notice that the speed limit is often ignored.

“Something has to be done,” Quinn said. “A woman told me earlier that she lost her daughter in an accident on Canyon Road a few months ago. Something has to be done. You've all seen people out here driving well over 45. Canyon Road has been called the 'Canyon Raceway' or 'Canyon Speedway.' This can't go on.”

Increased traffic is planned on the streets south of 224th Street East and Orting Kapowsin Road.