KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Tomorrow night, extra police patrols will spread out across King County's urban, suburban and rural roadways in search of drunk, impaired, and dangerous drivers. This local effort is part of the statewide "Night of 1000 Stars."
"Holiday celebrations should bring happiness, not sorrow. Officers will be working overtime on Friday night, patrolling the highways to save lives and avert preventable tragedies," said King County Executive Ron Sims.
Last year on the "Night of 1000 Stars", law enforcement reported making 62 DUI arrests and stopping 133 motorists driving dangerously in King County. Statewide, officers removed 339 impaired drivers on "Night of 1000 Stars" 2002.
"Do your part to avert a tragic, preventable crash during the holidays. If you drink or are otherwise impaired, travel by cab, ride with a sober driver, or just stay home," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Also, it's a must to use your seatbelt every time you drive or ride in a vehicle."
For information on hosting an alcohol-free party or being a responsible host, go to http://clearinghouse@adhl.org or www.madd.org/madd_programs. For people who want to stop drinking, the Washington Alcohol/Drug 24-Hour Help Line provides free, confidential assistance. The Help Line number is 1-800-562-1240. Seattle residents may call 206-722-3700.
"Night of 1000 Stars does two things. First, it saves lives. Second, it honors the courageous deputies, police officers, and troopers who have dedicated their lives and careers to keep our roads, interstates and streets safe," said King County Sheriff Dave Reichert. "Our officers are everywhere tonight, so drive sober or suffer through the consequences of a DUI arrest."
Extra officers from Auburn, Bellevue, Bothell, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Medina, Mercer Island, Redmond, Seattle, Sea-Tac, Shoreline, Snoqualmie, Tukwila and the Washington State Patrol are working "Night of 1000 Stars" looking for impaired drivers and other dangerous motorists. Funding for these patrols comes from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
King County Traffic Safety Coalition
The King County Traffic Safety Coalition is chaired and staffed by Public Health- Seattle & King County. Members include representatives from a variety of King County law enforcement agencies, the Washington State Liquor Control Board, alcohol/drug prevention organizations, DUI victims' groups, traffic engineers, non-profit organizations and others. The Washington State Traffic Safety Commission provides funding for the Coalition and other King County traffic safety activities. The King County Traffic Safety Coalition is pleased to announce that they are coordinating efforts with the Eastside DUI Task Force for this and future efforts.
