Law enforcement agencies across King County return to local streets this year to participate in statewide DUI emphasis patrols.
Target Zero enforcement teams will be deployed from March 9 through March 18 to arrest drunk drivers who are drinking and driving during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Last year, patrols produced 310 DUI arrests during a St. Patrick’s Day enforcement effort.
Local agencies participating in this year’s patrols include Algona, Auburn, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Burien, Clyde Hill, Covington, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Normandy Park, North Bend, Pacific, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Seatac, Seattle, Snoqualmie and Tukwila Police Departments along with the Washington State Patrol.
Driver impairment continues to be the most frequent factor contributing to traffic deaths in Washington State. Half of all traffic deaths in Washington involve an impaired driver, according to a Kent police spokesperson.
“If your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations involve drinking alcohol at a restaurant, bar, or someone else’s home, designate a safe ride before the party begins,” cautions Chief Ken Thomas, Kent Police Department. “If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride, take the bus, call a cab, a family member, or just stay where you are. Do not drive.”
Patrols are coordinated by Target Zero Managers across the state with support from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and are part of an ongoing partnership between law enforcement, public health, and the community to reach the Washington State Target Zero goal of eliminating all fatal and serious injury crashes by 2030.
For more information, call 253-856-5833.
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