Saying that people will consume libations on Labor Day is like saying that the sky is blue or the sun shines during the day – duhhh… What isn’t so apparent to those that drink and drive is that they are endangering everyone around them.
This Labor Day, local police departments and patrol officers will be stepping up the DUI patrols in order to ensure safe roads for all drivers.
Not only will there be increased patrols for driving under the influence of alcohol, but also for marijuana users heading home from weekend celebrations.
“We have seen marijuana involvement in fatal crashes remain steady over the years, and then it just spiked in 2014,” said Dr. Staci Hoff, Washington Traffic Safety Commission Data and Research Director, in a press release.
Cities that iwll be targetted in the Target Zero DUI emphasis in King County include: Auburn, Bellevue, Burien, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, New Castle, Port of Seattle, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, SeaTac, Seattle and Snoqualmie police departments.
That is why the WTSC participates in the National Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. From now through Labor Day, the Commission is letting the public know that extra officers will be out across the state at times and locations where DUI is a problem.
“It is our hope that by publicizing these extra patrols more people will plan ahead if they will be drinking or using marijuana,” said Darrin Grondel, WTSC Director. “Don’t risk getting arrested for a DUI, or causing a life-changing tragedy. Designate a sober, drug-free driver.”
Extra patrols will be on the roads through Labor Day weekend, though you should drive sober and drug-free all year round.
For more information on the Target Zero campaign, please visit www.targetzero.com.
