by Kate Carlsen

Washington Traffic Safety Commission

Washingtonians are preparing for summer fun. Celebrations that involve alcohol sometimes result in drunken drivers on our roads. So, after beach parties, barbecues or an evening at the bar, don’t drive if you have been drinking. If you drive hammered, you will get nailed.

Traffic deaths that involve a drunken and/or drugged driver are highest during the summer months in Washington. From 2005-2009, more than 20 percent of all impaired driver-involved traffic deaths occurred during June and July.

That’s why extra DUI patrols will take place throughout Clallam County from June 24 through the Fourth of July holiday.

In Clallam County, DUI patrols will be increased though a grant funded by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and supported by the Clallam County DUI Traffic Safety Task Force.

“Encouragingly, 2010 preliminary data shows that the number of deaths involving a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs decreased by 17 percent from the previous five-year average of 276,” said Lowell Porter, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. “I think this shows that more of Washington’s citizens are choosing to drive sober. However, with 229 deaths, we still have a long way to go. Even one life lost as a result of an impaired driver is unacceptable.”

Law enforcement officers statewide advise everyone to choose his or her ride carefully.  

Plan ahead — designate a sober driver or take a taxi because if you drive impaired, your ride may well be a state trooper, sheriff’s deputy or city police officer taking you directly to jail.

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