KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - With Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) this weekend, Public Health - Seattle & King County, law enforcement agencies and other members of the King County Traffic Safety Coalition are announcing their plan to increase the number of officers on patrol during the weekend.
"Let's celebrate Cinco de Mayo safely, and in a way that pays respect to those who see this as a cultural celebration," said King County Executive Ron Sims. Cinco de Mayo marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French Army at the Batalla de Puebla in 1862. In the United States, Mexican-American and Chicano communities have taken Cinco de Mayo as a time to celebrate their culture and history.
"We have put together an impressive coalition of agencies and businesses that are committed to keeping our roads safe," said Sims.
"If you decide to drink on this holiday, make sure you take advantage of the various designated driver programs that are organized by an increasing number of establishments," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Alcohol-related crashes are completely preventable."
Last year during Cinco de Mayo Traffic Safety Patrols, officers made 211 stops for unsafe driving and 51 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). The King County Traffic Coalition has registered the highest number of dangerous drivers during this holiday.
This year officers will be on patrol and arresting intoxicated and dangerous drivers along Highway 99 and throughout King County. Officers will be out Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in marked as well as unmarked law enforcement vehicles.
The Cinco de Mayo Traffic Safety Patrols will include:
- the King County Sheriff's Office
- the Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Seattle, Shoreline, SeaTac, Port of Seattle and Tukwila Police Departments
- the Washington State Patrol
Additionally Washington State Liquor Control Agents will be on patrol throughout the County. Agents will be looking at establishments that over-serve patrons as well as those that sell to minors.
"May 5th has historically been a great day of celebration in King County," said King County Sheriff Dave Reichert. "We intend to keep it that way by ensuring public safety, which is our primary function as law enforcement officers. Don't drink and drive."
The Traffic Safety Patrols aim to raise awareness about driving under the influence (DUI) and warn people about the hazards of drinking and driving, speeding, aggressive driving, and not using proper safety restraints.
Highway 99 is the focus of the Traffic Safety Patrols because there are five times as many alcohol-related crashes on Highway 99, compared to all other state highways in King County.
Since 1999 the Cinco de Mayo patrols along Highway 99 have resulted in 765 stops of unsafe drivers resulting in 86 driving under the influence arrests. Since Public Health -Seattle & King County began organizing the Traffic Safety Patrols nearly 2,700 stops have been made resulting in 316 DUI arrests.
Much of the Latino and Mexican-American community, including the Mexican Consulate, Concilio for the Spanish Speaking, La Voz newspaper, Torero's Restaurants, Azteca Restaurants, Mazatlan Restaurants, and Centro de la Raza strongly supports the Cinco de Mayo Traffic Safety Patrols and educational effort. Many of these entities would be glad to discuss the cultural and historical significance of this holiday.
With funding from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and matching funds from local agencies, the King County Traffic Safety Coalition has been able to establish a very effective prevention program. Preliminary crash data for Highway 99 in King County show a reduction in alcohol-related crashes (133 in 1996; 115 in 2000) and fatalities/serious injuries (44 in 1996; 25 in 2000) since the Coalition was established.
The King County Traffic Safety Coalition is chaired and staffed by Public Health - Seattle & King County and is comprised of the law enforcement agencies listed above, epidemiologists, representatives from the beverage industry, the Washington State Liquor Control Board, alcohol/drug prevention and treatment organizations, DUI victims' groups, traffic engineers and others.
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day. |
