Scary driving will not be allowed during Halloween

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Today, Public Health - Seattle & King County, the Eastside DUI Task Force and the King County Traffic Safety Coalition are announcing the 5th Annual "Surround the Sound" on October 31st and November 1st. During Halloween weekend, King County law enforcement agencies will join their counterparts from the 10 counties surrounding the Puget Sound to conduct traffic safety emphasis patrols in an effort to reduce the number of dangerous drivers.

"It is great to see our King County area law enforcement officers participating in the 'Surround the Sound' patrols. Thanks to them for working to make our roads and highways a safer place for our communities, families and children," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "We want our residents to get their scares from the haunted houses and trick or treating, not from dangerous drivers."

Since Public Health started organizing law enforcement patrols in King County, there has been a 5% decrease in injury and death crashes along Highway 99. The proportion of alcohol-related crashes has decreased by about 2% as well. Since 1999, King County Traffic Safety Coalition agencies have stopped about 3,500 unsafe drivers and arrested over 400 people for driving under the influence.

"Death and injuries from motor vehicle crashes can be prevented. One obvious way is to not drink and drive. Plan ahead for a cab or designated driver if you'll be drinking," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "In the next few days, take extra care driving because there will be an increased number of people, especially small children, trick or treating and enjoying the Halloween festivities."

Last year, Puget Sound-wide "Surround the Sound" patrols made 1,397 contacts with unsafe drivers, resulting in 151 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests and 472 notice of infraction (NOI) citations. In King County, 32 people were arrested for DUIs while 43 received NOI citations.\

Partygoers celebrating the weekend of Halloween should expect to see extra officers looking for drivers who may be drinking. Traffic safety patrols will keep an eye out for drivers who exceed the speed limit, commit other traffic violations, or fail to wear seatbelts. Wearing your seatbelt is the law, and it is proven to save lives.

"It is illegal for someone under 21 years old to drink alcohol," said Deputy James Donner of the Shoreline Police Department. "You don't need to have alcohol to celebrate Halloween. Watching a scary movie or visiting a haunted house with some friends can be safe, yet fun alternatives."

"If you're going to drink, be smart and plan ahead. Don't ruin your or someone else's Halloween by drinking and driving. Stay home, take a taxi, or designate a sober driver," said Sergeant Mike Ursino of Kirkland Police Department. "Our officers will be out there looking for dangerous drivers so be responsible."

Highway 99, also known as Aurora Avenue, Pacific Highway South, and International Boulevard will receive special attention. This year, officers will also focus efforts along Highway 900 from Seattle to Issaquah since newer data show that the proportion of alcohol-related crashes along this highway is rising. Although attention will be concentrated on these two highways, officers and Troopers will still be looking at other roads in King County.

The King County Traffic Safety Coalition (Highway 99 agencies) is pleased to announce the Eastside DUI Task Force has joined efforts this year. In King County, agencies participating in "Surround the Sound" include the Washington State Patrol, the King County Sheriff's Office, and local police departments in Federal Way, Renton, Auburn, Des Moines, Kent, Sea-Tac, Tukwila, Seattle, Shoreline, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond, Lake Forest Park, Medina, Snoqualmie, Bellevue, Issaquah, Renton and Carnation. Additionally, Washington State Liquor Control agents will be checking on legal alcohol serving and selling.

"Surround the Sound" emphasis patrols will be conducted in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Pierce, Thurston, Mason, Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam Counties. This activity is coordinated by local DUI/Traffic Safety Task Forces and is supported by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. In King County, the patrols are coordinated by the King County Traffic Safety Coalition, Public Health - Seattle & King County's Injury and Violence Prevention Program and Kirkland Police.