KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Today, Public Health - Seattle & King County, the King County Traffic Safety Coalition, and the Eastside DUI Task Force are announcing that most towns and cities in King County will have extra police officers working patrol tomorrow during Saint Patrick’s Day. These extra patrols will look for intoxicated and other dangerous drivers.

“Drinking and driving is foolish, dangerous and often times results in senseless tragedy,” said King County Board of Health Chair and Councilmember Carolyn Edmonds. “If you do plan on drinking alcohol while celebrating St. Patrick's Day, please make sure you designate a sober driver or call a taxi.”

“Alcohol-related car crashes are a leading cause of death and disabling injury in King County, and they are absolutely preventable,” said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. “Let’s keep our celebrations healthy and safe, and if you choose to go out, please make a plan to get home safely.”

Last year on St. Patrick’s Day, law enforcement officers in King County stopped over 364 motorists for dangerous driving and arrested 33 impaired drivers.

“This Saint Patrick’s Day we have all of King County covered, from Woodinville to Federal Way and Shoreline to Enumclaw. If you drive after drinking or using drugs, know that a deputy, trooper, or police officer will find and arrest you,” said King County Sheriff Sue Rahr.

The Eastside DUI Task Force will cover Interstates 90 and 405 and State Road 900. King County Traffic Safety Coalition agencies will patrol Highway 99 and other roads in their jurisdictions. The Seattle Police DUI Squad will work to keep impaired drivers off Seattle’s streets.

Officers from Auburn, Burien, Federal Way, Kent, Maple Valley, Renton, Sammamish, Sea-Tac, Shoreline, Seattle, Tukwila, Woodinville, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Snoqualmie, Redmond, Medina, Bothell, Bellevue and the Washington State Patrol will participate in Saint Patrick’s Day patrols. Additional Washington State Liquor Control Agents will also be on patrol throughout the county.

Reporters and camera crews who wish to ride along with a law enforcement officer may make arrangements by calling 206-205-3331 before 2 p.m. on March 17th.

King County Traffic Safety Coalition

The King County Traffic Safety Coalition is staffed by Public Health- Seattle & King County. Members include representatives from law enforcement agencies from across King County, the Eastside DUI Task Force, the Washington State Liquor Control Board, DUI victims’ groups, traffic engineers, non-profit organizations, and others. Funding for the Coalition comes from the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission.

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