Public Health and law enforcement collaborate to reduce alcohol-related crashes on Cinco de Mayo

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - On the evening of Friday, May 5 - Cinco de Mayo - an increased number of law enforcement officers will be patrolling and arresting intoxicated and dangerous drivers along Highway 99. Highway 99 is the focus of the traffic safety patrol because five times more alcohol-related crashes occur there than on any other state highway in King County.

"Alcohol-related crashes are not 'accidents' because they are totally preventable," says Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "The key is to plan ahead if you are going to drink as part of your Cinco de Mayo festivities."

Tony Gómez, Public Health Injury Prevention Coordinator, speaks to the press about Public Health's role in car crash prevention.

Many of the King County law enforcement agencies (including the King County Sheriff's Office, the Police Departments of Seattle, Shoreline, SeaTac, Tukwila, and Federal Way, and the Washington State Patrol) are collaborating on the Cinco de Mayo increased traffic patrol. The purpose of this coordinated effort is to raise awareness about DUI (driving under the influence), and let people know that drinking and driving, speeding, aggressive driving, and not using proper safety restraints will not be tolerated.

"Like on many holidays, too many people choose to commemorate Cinco de Mayo with a deadly mix of alcohol and driving," added King County Executive Ron Sims. "I encourage people to find safer ways to celebrate."

"May 5th has historically been a great day of celebration in King County," says King County Sheriff Dave Reichert. "We intend to keep it that way by insuring public safety, which is our primary function as law enforcement officers. Please don't drink and drive."

Last year during the Cinco de Mayo patrol along Highway 99, over 20 extra officers stopped more than 300 people for violations and cited 16 people for DUI (driving under the influence). Officers arrested nine people for driving with a suspended license. Two alcohol-related collisions occurred, but no serious injuries resulted.

There is strong support of the Cinco de Mayo traffic safety patrols and educational effort from the Mexican-American community including, the Mexican Consulate, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Torero's Restaurant, Centro de la Raza, among others.

The King County Traffic Safety Coalition (KCTSC) is sponsoring this patrol. The KCTSC is chaired and staffed by Public Health-Seattle & King County and is comprised of the law enforcement agencies listed above, epidemiologists, the beverage industry, the Washington State Liquor Control Board, alcohol/drug prevention and treatment organizations, DUI victims' groups, traffic engineers, and others.

The Cinco de Mayo emphasis patrol is only one of several coordinated efforts that will take place throughout the year.