Extra officers will be looking for drivers under the influence on Washington roadways through Jan. 1, 2014, including members of the Sequim and Port Angeles police departments, Clallam County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol, as part of the "Holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign."
The Clallam County DUI Target Zero Task Force organizes and supports this enforcement effort.
DUI is still the leading cause of traffic death. From 2008-2012, an average of 49 people died in traffic crashes in Washington between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
Visit www.WAdrivetozero.com to review important safety tips, such as:
• Call 9-1-1 if you see a suspected DUI driver on the roads.
• If you drink, use marijuana, or take other drugs, don’t drive. Make plans before-hand for how you’ll get around.
• If you are hosting a party, make sure your guests get home safely! Plan to have sober designated drivers available. Buy a few extra air mattresses so guests can stay the night. If it’s an office party, limit alcohol, provide shuttle service or book hotel rooms. Remember, as a party host, you are liable for the actions of the people who leave your party intoxicated.
• Talk with your children about alcohol, marijuana and other drugs. Help them understand the ways alcohol and marijuana use can harm their bodies, their brains and their future. Let them know that they can call you instead of ever getting into a car with a driver who has been drinking, using marijuana or taking drugs. See www.starttalkingnow.org.
• Give the best gift of all at the Holiday Season with the Designated Driver Gift Card found at wadrivetozero.com/gift-cards.
• Addiction is a complex issue. If you or someone you know is dealing with alcohol, marijuana or drug abuse, call the Washington Recovery Help Line at 866-789-1511. See warecoveryhelpline.org.
These and all extra patrols are part of Target Zero—striving to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030.
For more information, visit www.targetzero.com. Find more information on the Washington Traffic Safety Commission at www.wtsc.wa.gov.
