Law enforcement in both Washington and Idaho are adding extra DUI patrols for the holiday season. From Dec. 17 through Dec. 31st, officials will be patrolling the streets in greater numbers in order to fight reckless, drunk, and drugged driving.
In Washington State, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) will be focusing on intoxicated driving.
In Spokane alone, 61% of all fatal traffic accidents between 2016 and 2020 involved impaired drivers. In November, a local saturation patrol focusing on drunk drivers resulted in the arrests of five impaired motorists.
As personal injury attorneys, we applaud this effort and hope drivers will take heed by not driving while under the influence.
Bad Road Conditions And Intoxicated Driving
As officials register a growing number of accidents due to the winter weather, drivers are urged to avoid hitting the road whenever possible.
With staffing shortages causing delays in road cleanup efforts in some areas, drivers might have difficulty navigating some roads that remain covered in snow and ice for long periods of time. In the holiday season, however, drunk driving also becomes a serious concern.
If you are planning on celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve with family and friends, plan ahead. Drunk driving is not only deadly, it is illegal, and officials will be on the lookout for anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Officials Say: Plan Ahead To Avoid Accidents This Holiday Season
Driving recklessly puts the lives of everyone at risk. If you’re planning on driving for the end-of-the-year festivities, plan your safe ride home beforehand by choosing a non-drinking friend or family member who can serve as a designated driver or by arranging a ride from a taxi cab or a ride-share service.
If you’re hosting a holiday party and you’re serving alcohol, offer non-alcoholic beverages as well. Keep an eye out for friends or family who might try to drive after drinking. Help them by taking their keys away and getting them a safe ride home.
If you’re driving and see an impaired driver, pull over safely and call 911.
For more safety tips, follow this link.
