From 2008-2012, an average of 49 people died in traffic crashes in Washington between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
The Redmond Police Department will join 27 other units, the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol in working toward zero traffic deaths this holiday season by participating in the Holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which began on Wednesday and will run through Jan. 1, 2014.
The King County Target Zero Task Force organizes and supports this enforcement effort.
These and all extra patrols are part of Target Zero—striving to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030. For more information, visit www.targetzero.com. Additional information on the Washington Traffic Safety Commission can be found at www.wtsc.wa.gov.
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission recently asked people what the goal should be for the number of traffic deaths in Washington. Everyone indicated they would like to see fewer people killed. But when asked what the goal should be for their family members, everyone responded, “zero.” (Visit www.WAdrivetozero.com to see what residents think about zero traffic deaths).
Visit www.WAdriveto zero.com to review important safety tips, such as:
• Call 911 if you see a suspected DUI driver on the roads.
• If you are hosting a party, make sure your guests get home safely. Plan to have sober designated drivers available. Buy a few extra air mattresses so guests can stay the night. If it’s an office party, limit alcohol, provide shuttle service or book hotel rooms. Remember, as a party host, you are liable for the actions of the people who leave your party intoxicated.
• Talk with your children about the harmful effects of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs. Visit, www.starttalkingnow.org.
• Give a Designated Driver Gift Card, found at www.wadrivetozero.com/gift-cards/.
• If you or someone you know is dealing with alcohol, marijuana or drug abuse, call the Washington Recovery Help Line at 1 (866) 789-1511. www.warecoveryhelpline.org/
