Washington DUI Emphasis Patrols In Place Through New Year's Day

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington State Patrol is joining forces with five other states to combat impaired driving across state lines through New Year's Day. The Western States Traffic Safety Coalition includes agencies from Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. Extra patrols will be on the lookout for drunk drivers, as usual, and taking extra steps to identify vehicles being driven by those under the influence of all drugs — including marijuana.

According to Washington State Patrol, troopers specially-trained as Drug Recognition Experts will be deployed to help determine which drugs may be in a person's system. The training includes a 12-step process to recognize what category of drug is linked to certain behaviors.

"You can't drive safely if you're impaired," WSP said in a statement. "That's why it's illegal everywhere in America to drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, opioids, methamphetamines, or any potentially impairing drug-prescribed or over the counter."

The multi-state coalition's stated goal is to see zero deaths related to impaired driving over the New Year's holiday. WSP said the coalition formed ahead of the Labor Day holiday this year, to develop streamlined training processes and raise public awareness about the dangerousness of all impaired driving. According to WSP data, on average, 250 people die every year from crashes linked to impaired driving in Washington. A recent report found our state had the eighth-highest rate of DUI arrests in the nation in 2018.

"New Year's Eve may feel like the ultimate party night, but police will be alert throughout the region for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers," WSP said. "Let your first resolution for the New Year be to not drive impaired and to make sure that you and your loved ones get home safely."