Extra police patrols focus on intoxicated drivers

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - People who drink should always use a designated driver, taxi or bus to get around. If they drink and drive tomorrow, law enforcement will be waiting to arrest them. This Friday, December 16, police officers from most King County communities will join police from across Washington in the search for impaired drivers as part of the annual “Night of 1000 Stars” traffic safety campaign.

The “Night of 1000 Stars” symbolizes the badges of all the law enforcement officers throughout Washington who will work the evening’s DUI emphasis patrols. Last year during “Night of 1000 Stars,” police arrested 56 drivers in King County for “driving under the influence” (DUI). Statewide, police made 296 DUI arrests in 2004 on “Night of 1000 Stars.” Last year law enforcement made over 9,000 DUI arrests in King County.

“Think before you drink. Ask yourself, how will I get home safely?” said Dorothy Teeter, Interim Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. “Make sure you, your friends and family have a safe ride to and from holiday gatherings before you go out.”

In 2004, alcohol was involved in 44% of the fatal collisions in Washington State, a total of 246 deaths. In King County, from 1999 to 2003, 215 people died in “drinking-driver involved” crashes.

Through the New Year, most cities and towns in King County will have additional officers working overtime to find and arrest impaired drivers. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission provides funding for these extra traffic safety patrols.

“The holidays are a time to celebrate, but we all need to do it safely. The extra traffic patrols on our streets are one way to improve safety and to take dangerous drivers off the roads,” said Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske. “If you fail to find your own safe ride home, expect to meet one of the '1000 stars' willing to arrest you.”

The following communities will have extra patrols working during the “Night of 1000 Stars:”

The Washington State Patrol will also have extra troopers working throughout King County.

King County Traffic Safety Coalition

Public Health - Seattle & King County staffs the King County Traffic Safety Coalition. Members include representatives from law enforcement agencies from across King County, the Eastside DUI Task Force, the Washington State Liquor Control Board, DUI victims’ groups, traffic engineers, non-profit organizations and others. Funding for the Coalition comes from the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission.

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