Law Enforcement Agencies Plan Summer DUI Enforcement

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The Centralia, Chehalis, Morton and Toledo police departments and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office are among law enforcement agencies in Washington that have scheduled special enforcement patrols starting Wednesday targeting drivers under the influence of alcohol or cannabis. 

Nearly 150 additional DUI patrols are scheduled throughout the state through Labor Day, according to a news release from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

“We conduct the ‘plan before you party’ campaign during the busy summer travel time because we want everyone to get home safe,” said Mark Medalen, impaired driving program manager at the WTSC, in a press release. “Planning ahead for a safe ride is especially important for the small number of Washington drivers who mix alcohol and cannabis.”

According to the news release, from 2012 to 2017, Washington experienced a 15 percent per year increase in the number of fatal crashes involving impairment from more than one substance. Alcohol and cannabis are the most frequent combination. 

Between 2013 and 2017, the majority of fatal crashes occurred during summer months, according to the release. 

“The good news is that most Washington drivers are concerned about traffic safety and agree that impairment begins as soon as you start consuming alcohol and cannabis,” Medalen said.