Kent Police to add extra DUI patrols March 9-18

Law enforcement agencies in Kent and across King County will participate in statewide DUI emphasis patrols March 9-18.

Target Zero enforcement teams will be deployed to arrest drunk drivers who are drinking and driving during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, which is on March 17, according to a Kent Police media release. The highly effective patrols produced 310 DUI arrests during last year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement effort.

Local agencies participating in this year’s patrols include Algona, Auburn, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Burien, Clyde Hill, Covington, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Normandy Park, North Bend, Pacific, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, SeaTac, Seattle, Snoqualmie and Tukwila Police Departments along with the Washington State Patrol.

Driver impairment continues to be the most frequent factor contributing to traffic deaths in Washington State. Half of all traffic deaths in Washington involve an impaired driver.

“If your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations involve drinking alcohol at a restaurant, bar, or someone else’s home, designate a safe ride before the party begins," said Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas. "If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride, take the bus, call a cab, a family member, or just stay where you are. Do not drive.”

Patrols are coordinated by Target Zero Managers across the state with support from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and are part of an ongoing partnership between law enforcement, public health, and the community to reach the Washington State Target Zero goal of eliminating all fatal and serious injury crashes by 2030.

Contact Kent Reporter Courts, government reporter Steve Hunter at shunter@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5052.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.