As the winter driving season approaches and the first snow falls, motorists can expect additional weather related delays.

That makes "keep traffic moving a top priority" for the Washington State Patrol, said spokesman Capt. Jeff DeVere.

Weather-related backups-and resulting traffic accidents-accompany winter driving conditions regularly along several different corridors in the Highline area, including Interstate 5, State Route 518 and I-405, and the SR 518/SR 509 interchange.

To eliminate the possibility of becoming a collision statistic, the WSP encourages motorists to begin putting into practice the proper safety precautions that are necessary to navigate slippery roadways, DeVere said.

"By simply slowing down on slick pavement, it will greatly reduce the odds of you becoming another collision statistic.

"Today's rain may be tomorrow's ice," he reminded drivers.

Adding to the challenges of navigating congested roadways in winter weather are "seemingly never ending construction projects that are vital in keeping our infrastructure safe and in good condition," DeVere said.

Keeping traffic moving through all this is important not only for commuters but also because "the ability to move freight to and from the Port of Seattle is the economic lifeline of our state. Unforeseen impacts that impede or prohibit freight mobility throughout the state can result in devastating financial impacts to state coffers."