King County announces DUI emphasis patrols this weekend
King County will be increasing patrols Friday and Saturday to monitor for drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
The emphasis patrols are to kick off the “100 Safe Days of Summer” campaign, during which law enforcement agencies deploy increased patrols throughout the summer to keep roads safe.
The campaign is part of a collaboration between Target Zero Task Forces across the state, aimed at explaining the dangers of summer driving and providing parents with actions to educate their teen drivers.
“It’s so important to talk with teen drivers early and often about the dangers of risky driving situations like impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and night-time driving,” said Sara Wood, Target Zero Manager, South King County. “By creating a game plan with your teen to stay safe during these dangerous summer months, you can also help them become a safer driver year-round.”
According to AAA, over 7,100 people in the United States died in teenage driver-related crashes from 2011 to 2020. Nearly half came during the summer months.
“We know that the vast majority of Washington’s motorists are prioritizing safety when driving, and we truly appreciate their help keeping our roadways safe,” said Wood. “With that being said, it only takes one mistake to cost a life. We need buy-in from the entire state to help us reach zero traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030.”
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