EVERETT — The Washington State Patrol plans to have troopers out in force through New Year’s.
Last year, troopers made 122 drunken driving arrests statewide between the afternoon of New Year’s Eve and into the following day. In Snohomish County, there were 13 arrests during that time frame.
The patrol has waged a DUI emphasis campaign since the Thanksgiving weekend. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission pays for the extra enforcement, picking up the overtime tab for additional coverage during the hours when most collisions occur involving drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Since the emphasis patrols began Nov. 25, troopers have made more than 1,200 arrests statewide for driving under the influence.
They’re not letting up.
“We will be as heavily staffed as we can be,” said trooper Mark Francis, whose district stretches from Snohomish County to the Canadian border.
Impaired driving — from drinking, drugs or both — typically is involved in about half of the state’s traffic deaths in a given year. It was a factor in 228 of the state’s 462 traffic fatalities in 2014.
Francis offered several pieces of advice for New Year’s Eve revelers.
He said they should have contingency plans, perhaps making arrangements to stay the night at homes where they might be drinking.
He urged people to find a designated driver and suggested people bring taxi fare and put it in a safe place so they are not tempted to spend it.
“The main thing is to plan ahead,” Francis said. “It’s not worth risking driving impaired.”
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446; stevick@heraldnet.com.
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