KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - During the holiday weekend expect to see extra law enforcement officers patrolling area roads. Officers from most King County communities will join law enforcement from across Washington state and the nation in the largest-ever U.S. crackdown on drunk and impaired driving.
“If your Labor Day plans call for sharing beers, cocktails, or glasses of wine with friends or family, make sure you have a sober driver to provide transportation for everyone,” said King County Executive Ron Sims.
In Washington, for the five-year period from 2000 to 2004, 1,188 people have died in drinking-driver involved crashes. In King County for the same period, drinking-driver involved crashes killed 227 people.
Last year, over the Labor Day weekend, law enforcement officers in King County made 111 DUI arrests.
To prevent drinking driving crashes, take the following actions:
- Before drinking, arrange to have a sober driver
- After drinking, leave your car behind and take a taxi or bus
- Spend the night instead of driving home after a house party
- Always keep friends and family members from driving after drinking
- Always wear a seatbelt
- Report suspected drunk drivers by calling 911
- If drinking is a problem for you, call the 24 Hour Alcohol/Drug Helpline at 206-722-3700 or 1-800-562-1240
Public Health - Seattle & King County, the King County Traffic Safety Coalition, and the Eastside DUI Task Force have organized patrols in King County communities. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission has provided the funds for these extra patrols.
“Drinking drivers kill dozens of people in King County every year,” said King County Sheriff Sue Rahr. “This weekend we will join our colleagues throughout Seattle, King County, Washington State, and the nation to remove these deadly drivers from the road. Drivers, if you violate Washington’s impaired driving laws, expect to see a blue flashing light in your rearview mirror.”
The following agencies will have extra officers out over the holiday weekend:
| Auburn Police Department |
Mercer Island Police Department |
| Bellevue Police Department |
Normandy Park Police Department |
| Bothell Police Department |
The Port of Seattle Police Department |
| Burien Police Department |
Redmond Police Department |
| Clyde Hill Police Department |
Renton Police Department |
| Des Moines Police Department |
Sammamish Police Department |
| Enumclaw Police Department |
SeaTac Police Department |
| Federal Way Police Department |
Seattle Police Department |
| Issaquah Police Department |
Shoreline Police Department |
| Kent Police Department |
Snoqualmie Police Department |
| Kirkland Police Department |
Tukwila Police Department |
| Maple Valley Police Department |
Washington State Patrol |
| Medina Police Department |
Woodinville Police Department |
Public Health - Seattle & King County chairs and staffs the King County Traffic Safety Coalition. Members include representatives from a variety of King County law enforcement agencies, the Washington State Liquor Control Board, alcohol and 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.
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.
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