Crime & Safety

Plan To Imbibe? KPD Says Don't Drink And Drive

Two dozen police agencies are patrolling through Sept. 5 to keep the roadways clear of drunk drivers as part of King County's "Drive Hammered, Get Nailed" campaign.

In an effort to save lives, additional police officers will be patrolling King County roads and highways looking for intoxicated drivers through Sept. 5 during the county's annual Drive Hammered, Get Nailed campaign.

Thirty-eight people died in King County in drunk driving crashes last year, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

"This summer, we have unfortunately seen the tragic consequences of DUI (driving under the influence) crashes in our communities," said Sgt. Lisa Brouelette of the Kirkland Police Department. "We are here to get unsafe drivers off the road and encourage you to plan for a sober ride home before going out."

Find out what's happening in Kirklandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

During a two-week period last year at this time, King County officers on routine and extra patrols made 438 DUI arrests.

The new “Hailey’s Law” went into effect on July 22 this year, which means that with few exceptions, there is now a mandatory 12-hour hold at the towing company before the vehicle can be released after a DUI arrest. Officers will not have discretion to let a sober friend take over the wheel, or a family member pick up the vehicle at roadside. 

“This new law helps eliminate the danger of drunk drivers getting back into their cars and putting everyone at risk,” said Lowell Porter, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. “Now all drunk drivers face the costs of towing and impound in addition to jail time, losing their driver’s license, and the high cost of a DUI.”

Two dozen local police agencies, including the Kirkland Police Department, will join the Washington State Patrol and nearly 10,000 other agencies nationwide for the Drive Hammered, Get Nailed campaign.

Find out what's happening in Kirklandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

----

Information for this report came from a Washington Traffic Safety Commission press release.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.

More from Kirkland