Press release:

Between July 15 and August 7, law enforcement officers throughout King County will be part of a statewide effort in search of speeding drivers.

Driving faster than posted speed limits may not seem like a big deal, but more than 40 percent of fatal crashes in Washington involve a speeding driver.

That's why the King County Target Zero Task Force is coordinating extra speed patrols throughout local communities.

"Speeding is a major contributing factor in fatal and serious injury crashes in Washington, and therefore, is a priority of Target Zero," said Lowell Porter, Director of the Traffic Safety Commission. "Well publicized and highly visible speed enforcement is a proven combination that reduces fatal crashes. Obeying speed limits is something everyone can do to support highway safety in Washington."

In addition to being dangerous, speeding is expensive. The average speeding ticket in Washington is $156, but as your speed increases, so does the fine. In fact, a speeding ticket in Washington could easily cost more than $411.

How much do you know about the dangers of speeding? The Washington Traffic Safety Commission urges all Washingtonians to take this quiz and learn more about traffic safety and speeding dangers at www.considerthisyourwarning.com.

Results will be tabulated on the accuracy of Washington drivers' answers and available in August.

For additional information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.