Last year, Southwest Washington law enforcement arrested and charged 31 drivers with DUI over Labor Day weekend. Since January, state police have investigated 21 "serious injury" traffic accidents and 13 fatal collisions in the Southwest Washington area.
Although drugs and alcohol may not have contributed to all of these accidents, Washington State Patrol claims that driving under the influence of drugs and / or alcohol is the leading cause of traffic accidents in the state. Other common factors include speeding, aggressive driving, and distracted driving.
This year, Washington's District 5 Commander is determined to prevent car accidents by keeping intoxicated drivers off of the road. "Reducing serious injury and fatality collisions is top priority. Every impaired driver removed from our roadways is a potential life saved," he said.
According to Washington's Strategic Highway Safety Plan (also called "Target Zero"), the Washington Traffic Safety Commission hopes to eradicate all fatal and injury-related accidents from WA roadways by 2030.
Target Zero involves four strategies: education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency medical services. This weekend, Washington State Troopers will take action to enforce DUI laws as they proactively seek, locate, and stop impaired drivers.
In a recent press release, law enforcement also noted that the consequences of DUI don't stop at criminal convictions, injuries, and potential fatalities. In fact, drunk / drugged drivers cost the United States economy an estimated $37 billion every year. An individual drunk driving arrest in Washington can easily cost more than $11,000 – even without a conviction.
The Washington State Patrol encourages motorists to avoid the preventable ramifications of DUI by driving sober. In the release, law enforcement asks drivers to immediately report accidents and potential drunk drivers. "Please stay safe and call 911," the release said.
To learn more about drunk driving in Washington, visit our DUI page. At the DUIHeroes, we know that overzealous law enforcement and a variety of circumstances can lead to an unfair DUI arrest. That's why we are committed to representing the accused in Lynnwood, WA and the surrounding areas.
If you were arrested for driving under the influence, a skilled DUI defense attorney can help you escape a conviction. Unlike some firms, our office only practices DUI defense so that we can offer focused, powerful, and effective defense strategies to each of our clients.
Contact us online or call our office today at (425) 296-9358 to learn more about your legal options through a free, no-obligation case evaluation. With the DUIHeroes on your side, you can have peace of mind that your case is in good hands.
Our convenient office location:
16708 Bothell-Everett Hwy
Suite 104
Mill Creek, WA 98012