State Patrol makes 29 DUI arrests St. Patrick's Day evening in King County

State Patrol troopers arrested 29 DUI drivers in a 12-hour period during a crackdown St. Patrick's Day evening in King County.

The number more than doubled the typical number of DUI arrests on a Thursday nigh so far this year. There were no fatality collisions, according to a State Patrol media release.

On St. Patrick’s evening, King County troopers worked hard to keep the roadways safe for motorists. To supplement the normal Thursday evening patrol, four troopers were added to work proactively as an emphasis on impaired drivers.

In addition, Washington State Patrol King County Target Zero team members normally work Thursday evenings, including this one. The team consists of six troopers and a sergeant.

DUI arrests made in the 12-hour period starting at 5 p.m. on St. Patrick’s evening more than doubled what troopers have typically seen on any Thursday night so far this year.

Several troopers were busy for more than three hours on Interstate 90 investigating a serious injury hit and run collision just after midnight.

During holidays or special events that have a history of serious injury and fatality collisions related to drinking and driving are targeted with additional patrols with a goal of eliminating these types of tragedies.

Target Zero Teams are a combined effort of more than 35 police agencies in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties formed with a goal of reducing the number of deaths caused by impaired drivers. Several additional agencies participated in these patrols last night in the King County area as well.

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