Every year, law enforcement organizations urge drivers to pay attention to some important safety steps as they prepare to crack down on potentially dangerous behavior. That’s because during holiday seasons like the Labor Day weekend, the roads become even more dangerous.
During the upcoming holiday weekend, Americans will hit the road to celebrate their Labor Day with loved ones, family members, and friends. During the prolonged weekend, Washington State troopers will be upping the enforcement, making sure that drivers are not intoxicated or distracted while trying to arrive at their destination.
This campaign is being put in place in order to educate drivers and punish those who do not follow the laws, putting the lives of countless Washingtonians in major danger.
During the same period last year, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission reported that 251 impaired drivers were involved in deadly crashes. In 20 percent of the cases, drivers tested positive for blood alcohol levels that were higher than .08 while other 20 percent tested positive for at least one drug.
In 60 percent of the cases, drivers tested positive for multiple substances or drugs mixed with alcohol.
If anything, these numbers help to demonstrate that drivers are often oblivious of the potential consequences of driving under the influence.
During the Labor Day weekend in 2015, at least 146 DUI arrests were made over the three-day weekend. Nearly 5,000 drivers were pulled over for going above the speed limit. At least 277 collisions were reported during the same period.
Extra WSP patrols are already on Washington roads. The effort began on August 19 and it will only end on September 5th. In order to keep the state’s roads safe, the WSP, along with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, is partnering with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in order to make sure that this year’s Labor Day weekend is a safe and fun one for everyone.
The campaign is part of the Target Zero program, which hopes to put an end to traffic deaths and serious injuries.
If you’re serious about your safety and the safety of your loved ones, do not let risks put a tragic end to your Labor Day holiday celebration.
Click here to read more about the WSP and how troopers intend to keep Washington roads safe.
