KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Public Health – Seattle & King County and the King County Traffic Safety Coalition announced today that law enforcement officers in King County and nine other counties around Puget Sound will “Surround the Sound” this upcoming weekend. They will be conducting traffic safety emphasis patrols from October 29th through October 31st, looking for dangerous and unsafe drivers.

“My thanks go out to our local law enforcement officers and agencies who are working together to combat impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs. Their efforts will help ensure that the scary sights and surprises stay in the haunted houses, not out on the streets,” said King County Executive Ron Sims.

“Impaired driving during the Halloween weekend is a particular concern because children and families will be out trick-or-treating in the dark, and drivers may be unable to react in time,” said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “It’s important for those out at night to wear reflective or other highly visible clothing, carry flashlights, walk on sidewalks and in designated crosswalks, and always watch for traffic.”

During the fifth annual Surround the Sound patrols, officers from the Washington State Patrol and most police departments in King County will conduct additional patrols to identify and arrest impaired drivers. Since Halloween falls on a Sunday, these patrols will also include the Friday and Saturday prior to Halloween.

Reckless driving, speeding, driving infractions and lack of seatbelt use will also be targeted. Last year’s Surround the Sound netted 38 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests in King County alone and 124 in the ten county area of Puget Sound. Since Public Health –Seattle & King County began organizing these patrols in 1999, nearly 1,800 DUI arrests have been made.

“There are three simple things you can do to prevent motor vehicle collision injuries -- drive sober, drive the speed limit, and wear your seat belt,” said Tony Gomez, Chair of the King County Traffic Safety Coalition and Injury Prevention Manager for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Seatbelts save lives, and wearing one will save you a $101 ticket. Buckle up, and spend the money for your Halloween costume instead.”

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.

In King County, officers will be patrolling major roads, with particular emphasis on Highway 99, including Aurora Avenue, Pacific Highway South and International Boulevard.

Participating agencies in King County include the Washington State Patrol, the East Side DUI Task Force, the King County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments in Auburn, Algona, Federal Way, Kent, Maple Valley, the Muckleshoot Reservation, Normandy Park, Renton, Sammamish, Seattle, Shoreline, Sea-Tac, and Woodinville.

Participating counties in Surround the Sound include: Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Pierce, Thurston, Mason, Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam. These activities are coordinated by local DUI/Traffic Safety Task Forces and supported by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. The King County Traffic Safety Coalition coordinates patrols in King County.

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 Traffic Safety Commission provides funding for the Coalition and other King County traffic safety activities.

Reporters and camera crews who would like to ride along with a law enforcement officer may make arrangements by calling (206) 205-5442.

# # #