Extra DUI patrols to hit streets for St. Patrick’s Day weekend

Extra law enforcement will be out looking for impaired drivers in Kent and the rest of King County over St. Patrick’s Day weekend from March 13-17.

  • BY Wire Service
  • Tuesday, March 10, 2015 7:46pm
  • News
Kent Police and other law enforcement agencies will put out extra patrols on March 13-17 because of St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Kent Police and other law enforcement agencies will put out extra patrols on March 13-17 because of St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Extra law enforcement will be out looking for impaired drivers in Kent and the rest of King County over St. Patrick’s Day weekend from March 13-17.

Officers remind party goers to choose a sober ride and not to rely on luck to get home.

“We’re getting the word out now so people make the safe choice for themselves and friends and come up with a ride plan before their party begins,” said Lt. Kurt Schwan, Federal Way Police Department and law enforcement liaison for the King County Target Zero Task Force, in a media release. “If your plans include alcohol or marijuana, designate a sober driver, take the bus or request a ride for hire.”

To help drivers make the safe choice, the King County Target Zero Task Force is launching a Safe Ride partnership with local taxi, for hire, and other transportation partners for 2015.

This weekend and on St. Patrick’s Day, first-time riders can use the promotion code “RIDESAFE2015” to receive fare discounts through smartphone apps with Sidecar and Uber. The task force continues to expand this campaign and hopes to add more partners in the coming weeks.

“We are thrilled to expand out partnerships with DUI task forces across Washington and help residents enjoy themselves responsibly,” said Brooke Steger, Uber general manager for the Pacific Northwest. “When King County residents download the Uber app, all they have to do is input the promotion code to get a free Uber ride home, up to $20.”

First-time Sidecar riders can use the promotion code to receive a $15 ride credit throughout the holiday weekend.

In addition to law enforcement on the road, the state Liquor Control Board will visit local bars to educate employees about the extra DUI patrols and the importance of responsible service. Similar patrols are happening throughout Pierce County as well.

Patrols are coordinated by Target Zero Managers with support from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and are part of ongoing work to reach the Washington State Target Zero goal of eliminating all fatal and serious injury crashes by 2030.

 


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