Law enforcement agencies across the state are participating in extra patrols aimed at getting DUI drivers off the roads over this holiday season from Dec. 15-Jan. 1.
“The Washington Traffic Safety Commission funds these extra patrols because we want every family to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones,” said Darrin Grondel, WTSC director. “Unfortunately, we are very aware that deadly traffic crashes can turn holiday dreams into nightmares.
“We are alarmed at recent increases in traffic deaths involving DUI, especially among drivers who test positive for two or more drugs, or both alcohol and other drugs,” said Grondel. “Our agency is charged with examining every detail of every deadly crash. When we look at this data, we have to wonder why we are seeing so many deadly crashes where drivers are mixing other drugs with alcohol,” added Grondel.
An example of one such crash occurred at 1 a.m. Feb. 28. A 28-year-old man was driving under the combined influence of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine. He entered I-5 near Tukwila, driving the wrong way. As he traveled around a curve he crashed head-on into another vehicle traveling the correct direction around the same curve. The crash killed the impaired driver and seriously injured the other driver.
Test results showed that he had a blood alcohol level of 0.28 percent, which is 3.5 times the legal limit of 0.08. He also had 14 nanograms of THC (the psychoactive chemical in marijuana, which is almost three times the impairment level of 5 nanograms. The impaired driver also had a low amount of cocaine in his system. He was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.
“So as we travel this season, I would like to remind Washingtonians that mixing alcohol, marijuana and other drugs with driving can have devastating consequences. Give the gift of life this holiday season. Talk to your friends and family. Ensure they drive sober or find an alternative ride,” Grondel advised.
In Clallam and Jefferson counties, the Port Angeles, Port Townsend and Sequim police departments, the Clallam and Jefferson County Sheriff’s offices and the Washington State Patrol will be will be teaming up and participating in the campaign with the support of the Clallam and Jefferson Regional Target Zero Traffic Safety Task Force.
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission embraces Target Zero — striving to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030, but the state can’t get there without you. Drive Sober and be part of the Target Zero Team. Remember — drunk, drugs or high, it’s a DUI. For more information, visit www.targetzero.com.
