KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - On Friday, December 15, law enforcement in King County will conduct the 16th Annual “Night of 1,000 Stars” traffic safety emphasis patrol. The thousand stars refer to the badges worn by participating law enforcement officers in the statewide effort. In addition to removing drinking drivers from our roads, officers will also be on the lookout for people who speed, drive aggressively or violate other traffic laws.

“Every holiday season we see more needless fatal crashes,” said King County Executive Ron Sims. “We can make this holiday season safer by driving cautiously and only when sober.”

This year’s “Night of 1000 Stars” patrols honor Seattle police officers Joselito Barber and Elizabeth Nowak. Officers Barber and Nowak were tragically killed in motor vehicle crashes caused by impaired drivers.

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.

“Protect your health for the holidays and respect fellow drivers and pedestrians by avoiding dangerous and unnecessary collisions. If you drink or use other intoxicants, find a safe way home. Take a taxi, bus, or ride with a sober driver,” said Dorothy Teeter, Interim Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. “And of course, always wear your seatbelt when you drive or ride in a vehicle.”

During last year’s “Night of 1,000 Stars,” law enforcement officers removed 275 drinking drivers from Washington State roads. Officers from King County police agencies reported making 46 DUI arrests.

“Night of 1000 Stars saves lives and honors the courageous deputies, police officers, and troopers who have dedicated their lives and careers to keeping our roadways safe,” said Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske.

This enforcement effort highlights one night of the month-long “Drive Hammered, Get Nailed” campaign, which targets drivers who have been drinking. The toll from drinking and driving is staggering – in 2005, 15,172 people died, on US roadways, in alcohol-related crashes. Over 260 of those deaths occurred in Washington.

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.

# # #