Traffic Patrol
loading...

Local and State authorities are busy this holiday week looking for impaired drivers. Brian Jones with the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission say the emphasis started earlier this month but the focus is on parties happening this week and weekend. He says typically people are more responsible on one of the biggest party nights of the year - New Years Eve - which is this Saturday.

Jones says each year the state spends thousands of taxpayer dollars to keep the state highways and biways safe. Officers and troopers from throughout the area are involved in the emphasis patrol that runs through January 2nd. Jones says if you see a drunk driver, call 911 to report the driver before a tragedy occurs.

Washington State Patrol Troopers were busy on the Christmas holiday weekend, arresting 161 drivers suspected of being impaired by drugs or alcohol. This number is down from the 194 arrest during the same period in 2010 and does not include arrests made by local sheriff's deputies or city police officers. Three fatality accidents were also reported around the state.

There were no fatal collisions during the same period in 2010.

More From News Talk KIT