by AMANDA WINTERS

Sequim Gazette

Between Jan. 1, 2001, and Dec. 31, 2010, driving under the influence caused 63 car accidents and killed five people on a 17-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 101 from Diamond Point Road to Kitchen-Dick Road.

Perhaps the most memorable in recent years was Aug. 6, 2004, when then-34-year-old Andrew David, of Goldendale, crashed into a car driven by 75-year-old Lorna Kuhlman, of Sequim. David was speeding at an estimated 70 mph and a blood draw registered his blood alcohol content at 0.16, twice the legal limit.

Kuhlman died at the scene of the accident.

David was charged with vehicular homicide and found guilty after a jury trial in April 2005. Because of his four previous DUI convictions and two driving with a suspended license convictions, David was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Through Jan. 2, Clallam County law enforcement will conduct extra DUI patrols. From Thanksgiving through Jan. 2 last year, officers in Clallam County arrested 26 people for driving under the influence.

The efforts are part of Washington’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan, combining public education with strict enforcement to reduce DUI crashes and fatalities.

The Clallam County DUI Traffic Safety Task Force organizes and supports the enforcement patrols.

For more information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.