KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Alcohol and driving are always a dangerous combination, but this weekend the mixture could lead to jail time. Beginning Friday night and continuing through the New Year, most communities in King County will have extra police patrols looking for drivers impaired by alcohol or drug use.

“This New Year, make a life-saving resolution to drive cautiously and only when sober,” said King County Executive Ron Sims.

Alcohol-related crashes resulted in the deaths of 52 King County residents and 294 Washingtonians overall last year, according the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

To make local roadways safer, the King County Traffic Safety Coalition and the Eastside DUI Task Force coordinate with law enforcement agencies to conduct DUI emphasis patrols. Last year these extra DUI patrols made almost 1,400 DUI arrests in King County. Funding for these patrols comes from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

“We can reduce traffic crashes and the tragedies they cause by taking the influence of alcohol off our roads,” said Dorothy Teeter, Interim Director and Health Officer for Public Health- Seattle & King County. “Protect yourself by riding with a sober driver after drinking and always wearing a seatbelt.”

In Washington, a DUI arrest may result in jail time and thousands of dollars in court costs, attorney fees, insurance payments, and tickets. It may also lead to mandatory addiction treatment, an ignition interlock, and lost time from work. Some people arrested for impaired driving lose their license, car, or job.

“If you drive after drinking, expect to get arrested,” said King County Sheriff Sue Rahr. “Save yourself the humiliation, hassle, and financial burden of a DUI and plan a safe, sober ride home before going out."

About the King County Traffic Safety Coalition

Public Health- Seattle & King County leads and staffs the King County Traffic Safety Coalition. Members include representatives from law enforcement agencies, 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.

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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