WA - 1,000 police on the roads looking for drunks

1,000 police on the roads looking for drunks
By Jackson Holtz
Herald Writer
The twinkling reflection of blue emergency lights flashing off police badges around Snohomish County and the state might resemble a star-filled sky.

Dozens of police around the county are expected to be out in force tonight as part of the annual “Night of 1,000 Stars,” symbolizing the 1,000 badges on patrol, officials said. The night kicks off the holiday season’s increased traffic safety campaign.

Troopers with the Washington State Patrol, along with local city and county police agencies, plan to be on the watch for drunken drivers, said Keith Leary, a state patrol spokesman.

“Our goal is to save lives by ensuring Washington’s roadways are a safe place for all motorists by removing impaired drivers,” Washington State Patrol Capt. Ken Ginnard. “Removing impaired drivers from the road is a giant step in eliminating injury and fatality collisions.”

Typically holidays can be a deadly time on the roads.

Four people died Thanksgiving weekend along Highway 9 in the deadliest drunken driving crash in recent Snohomish County history.

People planning to attend holiday celebrations should plan to get a ride home with a sober driver, or call a taxi, Leary said.

And never let friends drink and drive, he said.



Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437, jholtz@heraldnet.com.