DUI patrols stepped up in Clallam, Jefferson during holidays

Published 12:01 am Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Extra patrols in Clallam and Jefferson counties through Jan. 1 are part of an effort involving 120 police agencies around the state, the state Traffic Safety Commission said.

The annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which began during the Thanksgiving holiday, has officers working overtime at the hours when most DUI-related collisions occur.

In Clallam and Jefferson counties, the Port Angeles, Port Townsend and Sequim police departments; Clallam County and Jefferson County sheriff’s offices; and State Patrol are participating in the effort, the state Traffic Safety Commission said.

“Our troopers have seen the results of impaired driving up close, and very personally,” said Deputy Chief Curt Hattell of the State Patrol.

“The only thing worse than making a death notification is doing so during what should be a festive holiday season.

“Each trooper who’s been in that situation comes away fully committed to ending the scourge of impaired driving.”

The extra patrols on the North Olympic Peninsula are done with the support of the Clallam County DUI Target Zero Task Force and the Jefferson County Traffic Safety Task Force.

They are part of Target Zero, an effort to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030.

“Reaching zero fatalities requires your help,” said Darrin Grondel, traffic safety commission director.

“Drive sober, report a DUI, keep your eyes on the road and buckle up. It’s your best defense against a DUI driver.”

For more information, visit www.targetzero.com.