Police departments, sheriff offices boost holiday DUI patrols

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Law enforcement in Clallam and Jefferson counties launched DUI emphasis patrols on Dec. 15. The entities joined more than 145 law enforcement agencies statewide adding patrols through Jan. 2, searching for drivers who are impaired from alcohol, cannabis or other substances.

“Most people believe driving impaired is unacceptable and will make plans for a sober ride when celebrating this holiday season,” said Mark Medalen, program manager at the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC).

“We encourage everyone to make a plan before they party, so they can return home safely.”

Participating in the patrols are Sequim, Port Angeles and Port Townsend police departments as well as Clallam and Jefferson sheriff offices.

Nearly half of all traffic deaths in Washington state involved an impaired driver, WTSC representatives note.

Drivers impaired from more than one substance — called poly-drug drivers — are the most common type of impaired driver involved in fatal crashes, state officials said.

The number of poly-drug drivers has increased an average of 15 percent every year since 2012.

“Eighty-one percent of Washingtonians don’t let friends drive impaired,” Medalen said. “Instead, they report that they let friends crash on their couch, call them a cab, arrange rideshare, or provide a designated driver. Giving the gift of a sober ride home means a safer and brighter holiday for everyone.”