Coalition urges public to help friends and family members drive responsibly this holiday season
An impairment suit, like this one from the Ford Motor Co., can simulate the feel of intoxication.
If you choose to drive while impaired this holiday season, there are 120 police agencies around Washington committed to making sure you are arrested and successfully prosecuted.
That's the message from a coalition of agencies and organizations active in the field of traffic and auto safety.
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission is funding a significant number of local emphasis patrols, in which officers will work overtime to provide extra coverage at the hours when most DUI-related collisions occur.
"Keeping your families together and our roads safe is our first priority this holiday season," Traffic Safety Commission Director Darrin Grondel said. "Reaching zero fatalities requires your help, make the right choice, join the Target Zero Team. Drive sober, report a DUI, keep your eyes on the road, and buckle up. It's your best defense against a DUI-driver."
Although enforcement is a key component of changing driver behavior, officials were quick to add that seat belts and other occupant protection devices are saving lives as well.
Being a sober driver protects you from yourself; buckling up helps protect you from the irresponsible driver.
Among the agencies out in force will be the Washington State Patrol.
"Our troopers have seen the results of impaired driving up close, and very personally," WSP Deputy Chief Curt Hattell said. "The only thing worse than making a death notification is doing so during what should be a festive holiday season."
"Each trooper who's been in that situation comes away fully committed to ending the scourge of impaired driving," Hattell added.
In the emphasis patrols, troopers work right alongside county sheriff's deputies and city police officers and are guided by data that helps predict the areas where DUIs are most likely to cause a tragedy.
In an event at the Seattle office of AAA Washington, the agencies demonstrated an "Impairment Suit" provided by Ford Motor Company. The suit is designed to affect the wearer's balance, giving a sober person the feeling of what it's like to be impaired by drugs or alcohol.
"At Ford, we work hard to advance the cause of driver education and safety," Ellen Owen of Ford's Seattle Regional Sales Office said. "The impairment suit is a fantastic teaching tool that simulates the physical effects alcohol can have on a driver. We're very pleased that Washington State Patrol and AAA have been able to use it in their drunk driving awareness campaign this holiday season."
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