Washington Joins 10 States For New Year's DUI Patrols

WASHINGTON — Washington state troopers will join their colleagues in 10 other states to conduct emphasis patrols targeting impaired driving over the New Year's weekend. The Western State Traffic Safety Coalition is undertaking the regional holiday effort for the third consecutive year, aiming to increase safety on the roads across state boundaries.

"We enjoy the opportunity to work with our neighbors of the west to give a unified message to the traveling public," said John Batiste, chief of Washington State Patrol. "Slow down! Drive sober and pay attention! And know that law enforcement works together and will always do what is necessary to keep dangerous drivers off our roads and keep you safe during the holidays."

Last year, WSP troopers arrested more than 350 people suspected of impaired driving between Christmas and New Year's Day. Officials estimate more than 300 people die in preventable, impaired driving crashes each year across the U.S. over the same timeframe.

"Remember, driving impaired by any substance — alcohol or drugs, whether legal or illegal — is against the law in all states," said Darren Wright, a public information officer for WSP. "Even in states where marijuana laws have changed, it is still illegal to drive under the influence of the drug. The WSTSC encourages everyone to plan ahead, especially when celebrating any holiday, and to never get behind the wheel impaired or in a car with an impaired driver."

To help facilitate more safe travel options over the holiday, most Puget Sound public transit agencies will waive fares from early New Year's Eve until early New Year's Day.