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.

 


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Courtesy Photo, King County
Prolific tagger faces charges for damage to Kent water tower

Man one of dozens who reportedly tagged properties across King County, including West Hill tower

t
Federal Way man charged in Kent I-5 crash that killed passenger

Documents state that evidence reportedly showed he was the driver, but he blamed the passenger.

The Kent Police Department went all out with their “Moana” themed display - even Maui showed up. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
The Hogwarts Express pulls into Battle of the Badges | Photos

The 2024 Battle of the Badges took over the Renton Technical College on Dec. 14.

Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
City of Kent crime numbers drop in 2024 compared to 2023

Vehicle thefts, commercial burglaries and robberies see big decreases

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
Kent School District says it ‘will do better next time’ with school closures

Late notifications issued about closures after Dec. 18 windstorm

t
Kent Police arrest pair for downtown robbery of pedestrian

Reportedly used pepper spray to attack Kent man, 56, as he walked on sidewalk Dec. 16

Meeker Middle School, one of six schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the Kent School District due to power outages from a windstorm. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Windstorm causes closure of six Kent schools due to power outages

Four elementary, two middle schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18; couple of city roads closed

Volunteers wrap gifts during the 2023 Toys for Joy program. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Puget Sound Fire puts out plea for more Toys for Joy donations

Toys needed for children ages 9 to 12; more bikes, scooters requested; deadline is Dec. 20

t
Kent man, 19, faces multiple charges after pursuit near Wenatchee

Driver reportedly fails to stop for state trooper, crashes stolen vehicle along State Route 97

Kent School District Board Director Awale Farah, left, and Superintendent Israel Vela at a high school graduation last summer. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Awale Farah resigns immediately from Kent School Board

Says because of ‘family commitments’ he cannot fulfill rest of his term that expires in November 2025

t
Kent’s Lower Russell Levee project receives John Spellman Award

City, King County Flood District and other partners recognized for historic preservation

Northwood Middle School, 17007 SE 184th St., in unincorporated part of King County in Renton and part of the Kent School District. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Calls about man trying to access Northwood Middle School causes lockdown

Deputies arrest man for investigation of resisting arrest, obstruction at Kent School District property