KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - People who think they are unlikely to encounter a police officer while driving after having a few drinks need to think again. This Saint Patrick’s Day holiday, Public Health - Seattle & King County and the King County Traffic Safety Coalition, as part of an ongoing, coordinated effort, announced that most police agencies in King County will have extra officers out looking for alcohol and drug impaired drivers.

“Saint Patrick’s Day is a great time to celebrate all that the Irish and Irish-Americans have added to American culture,” said King County Executive Ron Sims. “However, before you head out to celebrate, think about how you will get home. Make sure you have a safe ride home before going out.”

From 2000 through 2005, Saint Patrick’s Day patrols in King County have stopped 942 motorists for dangerous driving and arrested 150 impaired drivers. Last year, police in King County made 43 DUI arrests on Saint Patrick’s Day.

“This Saint Patrick’s Day, take a taxi or bus home from the pub, bar, or party,” said Dorothy Teeter, Interim Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. “Or call a sober friend or relative to pick you up. It is so easy to avoid drinking and driving that no one should have to drive home after having a few drinks.”

In 2004, 567 people died in traffic crashes in Washington state, and 44% of these fatal crashes were alcohol related. Preliminary data for 2005 found that 620 people died in crashes in Washington last year.

“My colleagues and I are trolling the streets and highways of King County this weekend looking for everyone who is behind the wheel of a car after kicking back with a few drinks,” said Sergeant Kevin Fagerstrom, of the Shoreline Police Department, “So spend the twenty bucks on a cab and save yourself the time, shame, and financial burden of a DUI arrest.”

Police departments in King County will watch the streets, roads, and highways in the suburban cities across King County. The Seattle Police DUI Squad will be out in force on Seattle’s streets and the Washington State Patrol will cover the interstates and other area roads.

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 WA 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.

Public Health – Seattle & King County is among the largest metropolitan health departments in the country, providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services that achieve and sustain safer and healthier communities for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County . Answering the needs of an increasingly diverse population, Public Health - Seattle & King County touches people's lives every day through health promotion and prevention activities, disease surveillance, health care, outreach and referral services, environmental health services, emergency medical care, jail health services, and readiness and response to public health emergencies.

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