Lewis County law enforcement agencies will conduct DUI high visibility enforcement (HVE) patrols this holiday season using the highly effective national model to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on the roadways, according to a news release.
These patrols will take place across the county and Washington state between now and Jan. 1, according to the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments Target Zero Program.
According to data provided by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), alcohol and drug impaired driving are the leading contributing factors in fatal crashes in Washington.
Data shows that since 2013, half of all fatal crashes in Washington during the holiday season involve an impaired driver, according to the news release.
“The good news is that most Washington drivers do not drive impaired, are concerned about traffic safety, and believe driving impaired is unsafe and unacceptable,” the Target Zero Program coordinators said in the release.
The Target Zero program is part of WTSC’s Strategic Highway Safety plan vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on the roadways, according to a news release. The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments facilitates a diverse array of federal, state and local programs. It is responsible for the Target Zero program at the local level to support traffic safety efforts.
The Target Zero Program coordinators asks Washington residents to be responsible drivers and friends this holiday season by:
• Making sure your holiday gathering includes a sober driver.
• When heading out choosing a non-drinking friend as a designated driver — plan before you party.
• If you drink, do not drive. Call a taxi, ride-share service, or a sober friend or family member, or spend the night with a friend.
• Leave your car at home.
• If you know someone has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys, lend them a couch or help them arrange for a ride.
• Always wear your seat belt.
