Police: Independence Day deadly on the road
SEATTLE -- Drive sober or get pulled over--that's the message behind an ongoing nationwide campaign targeting impaired drivers on Independence Day.
Washington State Patrol and law enforcement agencies across the Puget Sound will be out in force looking for DUI drivers. And it's not just local roads, officers will be out on the waterways looking for boaters who are over the legal blood-alcohol limit.
Independence Day celebrations often extend well into the evening and night and statistics show the combined dangers of alcohol and night driving.
According to the Kitsap County Target Zero Task Force, in 2011, the proportion of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes was 4.5 times higher during hours of darkness.
Here are simple steps to have a safe and happy holiday:
- Consider not drinking.
- Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
- Never ride with an impaired driver-- Speak out and get out.
- Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member.
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to call 911.