WSP cracking down on drunken drivers during holiday

TUKWILA -- The day before Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous days on the roads. Some people have dubbed it “Blackout Wednesday,” because of the number of drunken driving arrests and accidents.

Washington State Patrol troopers are trying to stop that trend, by deploying their Mobile Driver Impairment Unit at Southcenter Mall in Tukwila from 9 pm to 3 am.

Troopers say in order to keep people safe, they need to spend as much time as possible patrolling our highways.

When they find someone they suspect is impaired, WSP troopers can bring them to the MDIU, which has breathalyzers on board and a blood technician on hand. The tests can be done to see if someone is over the blood alcohol limit, while the troopers get back on out on the road.

“An officer can waste one to three hours processing arrests and doing paperwork,” says Trooper Pedro Zepeda.

Troopers are going to be out, looking for drunk drivers through New Years. So they say if your holiday celebrations include a little eggnog or champagne, you should plan ahead to have a designated driver.