Local law enforcement agencies have begun extra patrols this summer to catch drivers operating their motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. Patrols began last week and run through July 8, including June 29-30 in conjunction with Spokane's Hoopfest. The patrols are funded by a grant from Washington Traffic Safety Commission and supported by the Spokane County Target Zero Task Force.
An additional highlight of the Hoopfest patrol will be the Washington State Patrol's Mobile Impaired Driving Unit (MIDU). The MIDU is a significant time saving tool for the officers processing DUI suspects. The MIDU will be utilized by Spokane area law enforcement agencies on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office, Spokane Valley Police Department, Spokane Police Department, Cheney Police Department, EWU Police Department, Washington State Patrol, city of Airway Heights Police Department and the Pend Oreille County Sheriff's Office will be participating in the extra emphasis patrols.
In Spokane County, 47 percent (69 of 147) of all traffic deaths from 2006-2010 involved an alcohol or drug-impaired motor vehicle driver. Over a third of all persons who died were ages 16 to 25. Males accounted for 73 percent of motor vehicle deaths involving an impaired driver in Spokane County. Over half of impaired driver-involved deaths were from crashes that occurred from 3 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Sunday.
The goal of this Summertime DUI Patrol is to have a fatality free summer. This goal will be attainable thanks to all of the agencies working together and by citizens remembering that if they drink they don't drive.
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