KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - This weekend, law enforcement officers from around King County will patrol the roads in a united effort to purge dangerous drivers from our thoroughfares. "Holiday celebrations should bring joy not sorrow. Officers will be out in force, working the highways to save lives and avert tragedies," said King County Executive Ron Sims.
This is the 12th annual "Night of 1,000 Stars" holiday traffic safety emphasis patrol. This statewide safety effort is named in recognition of all the committed officers in Washington State that protect our roadways over the year.
Last year during "Night of 1,000 Stars," King County patrols arrested over 22 impaired drivers, issued over 83 notices of infraction, and had over 231 contacts with motorists. Most importantly, no one in King County died in a traffic crash during the 2001 "Night of 1,000 Stars" weekend.
"Remember wearing seatbelts and driving the speed limit protect you, your loved ones and neighbors. Also, avoid driving if you drink alcohol or use other substances, and instead take a taxi, ride with a sober driver, or stay home," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.
Bellevue, Bothell, Des Moines, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Medina, Mercer Island, Redmond, Seattle, Shoreline, Snoqualmie, Tukwila and the Washington State Patrol will all have extra officers out Friday and Saturday nights looking for drivers who are intoxicated or breaking other traffic safety laws.
"Our top priority over the holidays is to keep the people of King County and our visitors safe. If you drive drunk or drugged we will bust you. Drive hammered, get nailed!'" said King County Sheriff Dave Reichert.
"Due to Washington's primary seatbelt law, King County has an astounding 95% seatbelt usage rate. This has to be among the best in the world," said Tony Gomez, Manager of Injury Prevention for Public Health - Seattle & King County and Chair of the King County Traffic Safety Coalition. "Unfortunately, several King County residents have recently died in motor vehicle crashes because they were not wearing seatbelts. A seatbelt can make all the difference, so please buckle-up."
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.
If members of media are interested in doing a ride-along with a State Trooper within King County on the night of Friday, December 13h or Saturday, December 14th, please call (206) 205-3331 before 5 p.m. on Friday.
