Officers seek out impaired drivers

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Traditionally, Labor Day weekend propels hordes of motorists onto the roads to enjoy the last hurrah of summer, but too many of these motorists celebrate the last days of summer with alcohol, making Labor Day one of the most dangerous holidays of the year. Public Health - Seattle & King County and the King County Traffic Safety are announcing that to make this Labor Day weekend safer organized law enforcement patrols will scour King County highways looking for motorists that drive after using alcohol or drugs.

"The Labor Day holiday gives us a chance to unwind and enjoy the last of Puget Sound's beautiful summer weather," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "Responsible driving is one way to keep the holiday weekend relaxing and enjoyable for all of us."

Statistics show summer is the deadliest season for King County and Washington State drivers. In Washington State, August is the most lethal month for "drinking driver" crashes and all other motor vehicle collisions. Washington State data shows that from 1991 to 2001 the Labor Day holiday was second only to the July 4 for deaths per 24 hours. Last year in King County, 23 people died from crash injuries in August and September, and only the month of June had more traffic deaths.

"We see hundreds of needless tragedies every year in King County because someone has a few drinks and then chooses to drive," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "The maddening thing is drinking-driver deaths and injuries are completely preventable."

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission recommends five actions people can take to prevent deaths and injuries from impaired driving. The Commission advises drivers to:

• Plan ahead to get a sober, designated driver
• Take a cab or bus after drinking
• Spend the night instead of heading home
• Always wear a seatbelt
• Report drunk drivers to law enforcement by calling 911

"Our officers are dedicated to helping people and saving lives," said Bob Holt, Traffic Unit Supervisor with the Kent Police Department. "This Labor Day if you drink and drive expect to see our reds and blues and know a jail cell awaits you."

Dedication to Erin Klotz

This Labor Day DUI Emphasis Patrol is dedicated to Erin Klotz, the 20-year-old student from Kennewick who was killed November 18, 2001 by a drunk and drugged driver. That afternoon, Erin had flown into Sea-Tac airport and was headed back to Central Washington University with a friend. As they neared North Bend, an impaired motorist, driving with only one headlight and in the wrong direction on I-90, crashed into their car.

Erin was killed instantly, and her friend suffered severe injuries. The driver's blood alcohol level measured .30 (the legal limit is .08). In addition to drinking, the forty-four year old driver had taken muscle relaxants and anti-depressants; both medicines can impair driving ability. In April 2002, the driver received a nine-year prison term for her actions. A sign stating "Please Don't Drink and Drive, In Memory of Erin Klotz" was placed at exit 31, the eastbound on-ramp to I-90 at North Bend.

Labor Day DUI patrol

The following agencies will be out during the Labor Day DUI patrol:

• The Washington State Patrol
• Seattle Police
• Tukwila Police
• Kent Police
• Federal Way Police
• Des Moines Police

The King County Traffic Safety Coalition is chaired and staffed by Public Health- Seattle & King County. Members include representatives from a variety of King County law enforcement agencies, the Washington State Liquor Control Board, alcohol/drug prevention organizations, DUI victims' groups, traffic engineers, non-profit organizations, and others. The Washington State Traffic Safety Commission provides funding for the Coalition and other King County traffic safety activities.