Law enforcement agencies across Washington are increasing DUI patrols through Labor Day.
Law enforcement agencies across Washington are increasing DUI patrols through Labor Day as officials urge people celebrating the final weeks of summer to plan for a sober ride.
The high-visibility patrols begin this week and continue through Monday, Sept. 7. Officers will focus on drivers impaired by alcohol, cannabis and other drugs, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC).
The commission is reminding drivers that impairment can begin well before their blood alcohol concentration reaches the legal threshold of 0.08%.
“Too many people still believe that impairment starts with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent,” Mark McKechnie, the commission’s policy and communications director, said in a news release. “Impairment begins with the first drink and increases with each additional drink.”
At a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%, drivers can experience slower reaction times, reduced coordination, difficulty tracking moving objects and problems steering or responding to sudden changes, according to the WTSC.
Driving ability can decline by 25% to 50% at that level, and the risk of a crash is more than twice that of a sober driver.
Officials recommend making transportation plans before drinking or using other substances. Options include choosing a designated sober driver, scheduling a taxi or rideshare, taking public transportation, or arranging a place to stay overnight.
People hosting gatherings are encouraged to offer alcohol-free drinks and make sure guests have a safe way home.
Friends and relatives can help by stepping in when someone who has been drinking or using drugs tries to drive.
Anyone who sees a suspected impaired driver should call 911 when it is safe and provide the vehicle’s location, direction of travel, description and license plate number when possible. Drivers should not try to follow or stop the vehicle themselves.
Washington has averaged 15 traffic deaths around Labor Day each year, McKechnie said.
“The goal of these campaigns is not to make arrests,” he said. “They are to encourage choices that save lives. Plan ahead, speak up, and help everyone get home safely this Labor Day.”
