Press release:

Extra law enforcement will be on the roads looking for impaired drivers in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties over St. Patrick’s Day weekend, March 15-17.

Participating agencies in King County include the Burien, Des Moines, Port of Seattle, SeaTac and Tukwila police departments plus the Washington State Liquor Control Board and the Washington State Patrol.

“Don’t press your luck this weekend. Make sure you and your friends get home safely,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver, ride the bus or take a cab.”

The Washington State Liquor Control Board also will visit local bars to educate employees about the extra DUI patrols and responsible service. Officers will hand out “Click 2 Ride” cards with information about taxi services that bars can share with patrons.

“We want to get the word out so people can make safe choices for themselves and their patrons,” said Lieutenant Woodrow Perkins, Washington State Liquor Control Board.

More than 40 percent of all traffic deaths involve an impaired driver in Washington state. Extra patrols are coordinated throughout the state by Target Zero Managers with support from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. This work is part of an ongoing partnership with law enforcement, public health and community partners to reach the Washington State Target Zero goal of eliminating all fatal and serious injury crashes by 2030.