13 speed traps to watch for over Memorial Day

Over the Memorial Day weekend, there are stretches of highway where lead footed drivers risk finding themselves in a heap of trouble. Over the Memorial Day weekend, there are stretches of highway where lead footed drivers risk finding themselves in a heap of trouble. Photo: Seattlepi.com File Photo: Seattlepi.com File Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close 13 speed traps to watch for over Memorial Day 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Washington has no better spot to observe the predator-prey relationship in action than along Interstate 5, at the 145th Street overpass, the northern boundary of Seattle.

A glint of white can be seen behind a stanchion. It's a signal to slow down, move right, and give way to an impatient black SUV roaring past you. Watch as the Washington State Patrol springs from its place of concealment and chase down its prey.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, there are stretches of highway where lead footed drivers risk finding themselves in a heap of trouble. Here is one writer's "Top 13" list.

I-5 at 145th: The State Patrol is out a majority of the time early on Saturday mornings, often with two cars working the trap. A straight, down slope, at a point when you're escaping city traffic, is incentive to step on it. By doing so, you step in it.

I-5 entering Bellingham: As you round a bend into Bellingham, coming down from the Samish, the State Patrol is often present. They eve had the speed trap up last May when many officers were up in Lynden keeping the peace (with skill and patience) at the Donald Trump rally and protests.

S.R. 542, the Mount Baker Highway: Westbound, the speed limit goes down sharply at McLeod Road, as it should since Bellingham is expanding rapidly in these environs. The State Patrol is often on hand as a reminder.

I-90 west of Thorp exit: The eastbound motorist has climbed over Snoqualmie Pass, dodged heavy trucks around Lake Keechlus, climbed up and over the Rye Grass Divide, and finally hit a long level stretch just west of Ellensburg. The temptation is to floor it. Don't!!!!

S.R. 26 at Othello, and near U.S. 395 intersection: Pullman-bound Washington State University students pay a kind of surcharge on their tuition with speed traps near Othello, or in hiding places near U.S. 395. A suggestion: Slow down and break the drive with excellent Mexican food in Othello.

U.S. 195 in Colfax: The drive to Pullman/Lewiston has another danger zone. Heading out of Colfax, the tendency is to increase your speed. Don't. It's still 25 mph. a lesson you will pay to learn. It's often nicknamed "The Media Speedtrap" for flagging down Seattle journalists en route to speaking gigs at WSU's Edward R. Murrow School of Communication.

S.R. 525, Freeland on Whidbey Island: If you are headed down Whidbey, the speed limit goes down to 45 mph. north of Freeland, and the highway emerges onto a long down grade approaching Honeymoon Bay Road. An ideal spot for a speed trap.

I-90 approaching Issaquah: Tired and heading home after an outdoor? Beware lead foot driving as you approach Issaquah. The speed limit goes down from 70 mp. to 60 mph. The road curves as you descend from the "Issaquah Alps," giving the State Patrol ideal hiding places.

I-5 and S.R. 8, ocean-bound: The state's most famous, enduring speed trap is on I-5 just north of the Nisqually River Bridge with turns and concealed pulloffs. The State Patrol can also be found on S.R. 8, between Summit Lake and McCleary. A recent ocean trip, by this writer, featured two patrol SUVs, a few miles apart, on the lookout for speeders.

U.S. 2 at Cashmere: Another spot where it's always sensible to slow down. Lots of traffic exits off and enters onto U.S. 2. The State Patrol doesn't want you to hit it. A pleasant patrol encounter: 'Was flagged with warning studded tires had to be off our van within two days. We shared famous headline blooper, I believe from Toronto Star: "Stud Tires Out."

I-5 in Vancouver, Wash.: The State Patrol makes its presence known as you are leaving or returning to the Evergreen State. A spot to watch is around 134th Street, just south of where Oregon-bound I-205 branches off from I-5.

S.R. 20 at Winthrop: You'll see a fake cop care as you enter Winthrop at the east end of the North Cascades Highway. The real encounter with the blue light occurs at the south end of town near the bridge over the Methow River. The concealment is ideal, the fine is stiff.

U.S. 2 at Gold Bar: The State Patrol used to have a famous hiding spot behind the Standard station. It's long gone, but the police presence is not. Watch yourself over a long 35mph. stretch east of town, and along the brief passing lake near Zeke's Drive-In. One way to avoid getting caught: Stop at Zeke's for a burger and shake.