KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Today, Public Health - Seattle & King County and the King County Traffic Safety Coalition are announcing that officers from various King County law enforcement agencies will join counterparts from the 10 counties surrounding Puget Sound to conduct the fourth annual "Surround the Sound" traffic safety emphasis patrol on October 25th and 26th.

"Halloween should be a time of harmless scares not frightening tragedies," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "Shock friends and neighbors with your costume, not your driving."

"Deaths and injuries from motor vehicle crashes are completely preventable. If you plan on drinking this Halloween, stay home, take taxis, or designate a non-drinking driver," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "

Last year, "Surround the Sound" patrols had 1,658 contacts with unsafe drivers. They made 115 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests and 606 "notice of infraction"(NOI) citations. In King County 18 people were arrested for drinking or impaired driving and 89 people received NOI citations.

Spotlights on unsafe drivers in various areas

Partygoers celebrating the weekend before Halloween should expect to see extra officers out looking for drivers who may have been drinking. Traffic safety patrols will also look for drivers who exceed the speed limit, commit other traffic violations or fail to wear seat belts. The primary seatbelt law is now in effect, and wearing seatbelts has been proven to save lives.

"Our officers will be out in full force this weekend, looking for people who break traffic laws and drive dangerously," said King County Sheriff Dave Reichert. "So if you're drinking, you better not drive."

Highway 99 including Aurora Avenue, Pacific Highway South, and International Boulevard will receive special attention. However, officers will also be looking at other major roads in King County. Reporters and camera crews who wish to ride along with a law enforcement officer may make arrangements by calling (206) 205-3331.

Law enforcement agencies are also urging all motorists to take extra care while driving on Halloween evening when many small ghost and goblins are out trick-or-treating.

King County agencies participating in "Surround the Sound" this year include the Washington State Patrol, the King County Sheriff's Office, and local police departments in Des Moines, Seattle and Tukwila.

"Surround the Sound" emphasis patrols will be conducted in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Pierce, Thurston, Mason, Kitsap, Jefferson and Clallam Counties. This activity is coordinated by local DUI/Traffic Safety Task Forces and is supported by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. In King County, the King County Traffic Safety Coalition coordinates patrols.