Police statewide are working overtime through the Labor Day weekend to hunt down drunken drivers.
Several law enforcement agencies in Snohomish County are taking part in the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s annual “Drive Hammered, Get Nailed” campaign, which is aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-related collisions.
Drunken driving contributed to 1,260 deaths on state roads between 2000 and 2004, according to traffic commission statistics.
“Impaired driving continues to be the leading cause of fatal crashes both nationally and in the state of Washington,” director Lowell Porter said. Therefore, it’s the top priority for traffic safety professionals across the country.
Police will spend an extra 345 patrol hours on county roads between today and Sept. 4.
Last year, police in Snohomish County arrested 24 people on suspicion of driving under the influence during the commission’s campaign.
A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found roving patrols to be more effective than sobriety checkpoints in reducing drunken driving.
The group reminded people to use a designated driver if they plan on consuming alcohol. More people are arrested for drunken driving in August than in any other month of the year, according to the traffic commission.
“We must continue to do everything possible to change this devastating trend,” Porter said.
Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.
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