Local law enforcement is increasing patrols for impaired drivers through the holidays.
Participating agencies include the Battle Ground, Ridgefield and Vancouver police departments; Clark County Sheriff’s Office; Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency; and Washington State Patrol.
“With holiday parties and travel, December can see an increase in impaired driving — but not if we insist on sober driving and taking steps to prevent it,” said Mark Medalen, a program manager at the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. “Recent trends are concerning, but we have hope we can turn things around. We know that when it comes to stopping someone from driving impaired, most people in Washington will do the right thing.”
Anyone who sees a suspected impaired driver should call 911.
According to the traffic safety commission, 2020 was one of the deadliest years in the state for DUI-related crashes, despite fewer drivers on the road. The commission’s statistics show that last year had the highest number of polydrug drivers — those impaired by more than one substance — involved in fatal crashes in state history. Preliminary data also shows an increase in deaths in 2021 from DUIs, with August being the deadliest since 1997.
