Washington Joins 10 States for DUI New Years Patrols

WASHINGTON – Soldiers from Washington State will join their colleagues in 10 other states to conduct targeted patrols targeting impaired driving over the New Years weekend. The Western State Traffic Safety Coalition is undertaking the effort regional vacation for the third year in a row, aimed at increasing safety on roads across state borders.

“We appreciate the opportunity to work with our neighbors to the west to deliver a unified message to the traveling public,” said John Batiste, head of the Washington State Patrol. ” Slow down ! Drive sober and be careful! And know that the police are working together and will always do what is necessary to prevent dangerous drivers from driving on our roads and to protect you during the holidays. “

Last year, WSP soldiers arrested more than 350 people suspected of impaired driving between Christmas and New Years. Authorities estimate that more than 300 people die each year in preventable impaired driving crashes in the United States during the same period.

“Remember that driving while impaired by any substance – alcohol or drugs, whether legal or illegal – is illegal in all states,” said Darren Wright, public information officer for WSP. Even in states where marijuana laws have changed, it is still illegal to drive under the influence of drugs. The WSTSC encourages everyone to plan ahead, especially when celebrating a holiday, and never get behind the wheel while impaired or in a car with an impaired driver. ”

To help facilitate safer travel options while on vacation, most Puget Sound transit companies will be waiving fares from the start of New Years Eve until the start of New Year’s Day.