KING COUNTY, WA - Starting today, officers from many law enforcement agencies in the King County area will join together to help make the holidays safer for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists by coordinating patrols to nab unsafe drivers. "Every life saved, every injury prevented, and every tragedy averted through our joint efforts is cause for celebration," said King County Executive Ron Sims.
This will be the 11th annual holiday statewide traffic safety emphasis patrol, named "Night of 1000 Stars" to represent the badges of all the dedicated officers in our state that patrol our roadways throughout the year. Since 1999, the King County traffic emphasis patrols, usually done during holidays, have produced close to 2,000 contacts, including 285 driving under the influence (DUI) infractions.
"Stay safe, wear your safety belts, and avoid an incident with law enforcement by not drinking and driving or exceeding the speed limit," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.
Most agencies will be on patrol on Friday, December 14th, but many patrols will not be announced.
If members of media are interested in doing a ride-along with a law enforcement officer within King County on the night of Friday, December 14th or other patrol dates, please contact Matías Valenzuela at (206) 205-3331 or James Apa at (206) 205-5442.
Focus on south King County
A South King County Coalition made up of officers from the cities of Kent, Des Moines, Federal Way, SeaTac, and the Washington State Patrol will work together to emphasize holiday traffic safety on the entire stretch of Pacific Highway South (Highway 99). The officers will work on other violations such as seat belt, jaywalking, speeding and other high injury activities. In addition to Friday, December 14, patrols are scheduled for Saturday, December 15, Friday, December 21, and Saturday, December 22.
According to Lieutenant John Stray, Federal Way Police Department, who is coordinating this joint effort, "In addition to increasing officer and public awareness, the patrols will promote a spirit of cooperation between police agencies that share common borders and work along Highway 99."
He added, "This has been a highly successful effort and has removed dozens of unsafe and dangerous persons from our south King County roadways."
Rest of King County and Shoreline
The King County Sheriff's Office and Seattle Police Department will also participate in "Night of 1000 Stars" traffic safety emphasis patrols. Traffic safety patrols in King County will be concentrated along but not limited to Highway 99, also known as Aurora Avenue, and nearby major arterial roads.
"The safety of you and your loved ones is our highest priority this busy season. Have a safe holiday, and if you drink, don't drive!" said King County Sheriff Dave Reichert.
Shoreline will be conducting a concentrated effort on crash reduction and DUI enforcement on Aurora Avenue until January 1st.
According to Denise Pentony, Shoreline Chief of Police, "We want to do everything we can to reduce and prevent injuries and fatalities during the holidays. Our officers will be working overtime enforcing DUI and other traffic violations and providing driver education when necessary."
King County Traffic Safety Coalition
Holiday patrols are coordinated by the King County Traffic Safety Coalition. This Coalition is chaired by Public Health - Seattle & King County and includes local law enforcement agencies, health and traffic safety educators, traffic safety engineers, liquor and insurance industry representatives and victims groups. Increased holiday patrols aim to reduce the number of traffic-related deaths and injuries by discouraging drinking and driving.
