Big Summer DUI Emphasis In Washington Starts This Week

BELLEVUE, WA — The deadliest time of year for DUI crashes tends to be before the Labor Day weekend, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. So starting Wednesday, police departments around the state will begin a nearly three-week long DUI emphasis.

About 150 departments across the state will participate in patrols between Aug. 14 and Labor Day. Between 2013 and 2017, the deadliest months for DUI crashes were August and September, when 238 and 259 people died in crashes total, according to WTSC data.

"We conduct the 'plan before you party' campaign during the busy summer travel time because we want everyone to get home safe," said WTSC impaired driving program manager Mark Medalen in a press release. "Planning ahead for a safe ride is especially important for the small number of Washington drivers who mix alcohol and cannabis."

Along with extra patrols, the WTSC is placing signs in cannabis shops around the state to remind users not to drive impaired — and not to mix cannabis with alcohol. Between 2013 and 2017, about 75 percent of drivers in fatal crashes were also using alcohol or another drug, according to WTSC.

The WTSC is advising everyone in the state to make a transportation plan before consuming alcohol or drugs, whether it's finding a designated driver or saving money for a ride-share.

Otherwise, police in just about every city in Puget Sound — plus Washington State Patrol — will be out looking to arrest DUI drivers.