State and local law enforcement
agencies remain dedicated to reducing DUI deaths in Washington State and
Snohomish County.
While a recent study by Safewise
shows that Washington State ranks 7th in the lowest rate of DUI
deaths with 2.55 DUI deaths per 100.000 (New York has the lowest DUI death rate
at 1.65 per 100,000), impaired driving deaths amounted to 57% of all traffic
deaths in Washington State (53% in Snohomish County).
A new report by the Washington Traffic
Safety Commission (WTSC) shows that starting in 2012, the number of multiple
drug impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes has increased by an average of
15 percent each year. And since 2016,
one in four of all Washington traffic deaths involve a “poly-impaired driver.”
The most common combination is alcohol and marijuana. And, since 2012, “poly-drug
drivers became the most prevalent type of impaired drivers involved in fatal
crashes.”
53% of drivers between ages 15-20
believe that marijuana use made their driving better. Of the drivers who have
used marijuana in the past year, only 37% believe that it is likely that
marijuana impairs a person’s ability to drive safely if used within two hours
of driving. Of the drivers who have not used marijuana in the previous year,
77% believe that it is likely that marijuana impairs driving.
The studies show that while our
rate of DUI deaths may be relatively low compared to other states, DUI deaths
remain a serious problem in Washington State. With over half of all traffic
deaths attributed to DUI, there is still a need for DUI patrols. Also, there is
a need for more education about the dangers of drugged driving and especially
the dangers of mixing drugs and alcohol while driving.
The WTSC points out that the
period approaching the Labor Day weekend (August 17 through September 3) is the
deadliest time of year on state highways. As a result, the Washington State
Patrol and 160 local law enforcement agencies will be on the roads with
emphasis patrols looking for alcohol and drug impaired drivers. The WTSC also
reminds everyone that if you are going to drink or take drugs, don’t drive. Catch
a ride with a taxi or ridesharing app, take a bus, or have a designated driver
when you go out.
KOMO TV:
https://komonews.com/news/local/wash-state-has-1-of-lowest-dui-death-rates-in-nation-new-study-finds
Washington Traffic Safety Commission:
Target Zero:
KIRO TV:
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