Hundreds busted in latest DUI sweep

The results are in from the recent “Drive Hammered, Get Nailed” enforcement campaign conducted from Aug. 14 through Sept. 7.

In King County, 628 motorists were stopped and arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), and statewide, law enforcement officers arrested 2,818 drivers for DUI.

In King County, city police departments and the Washington State Patrol participated in the extra emphasis patrols, with the support of the King County Traffic Safety Coalition and the City of Kent Drinking Driver Task Force. The extra patrols were funded by a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

Impaired driving is the leading cause of traffic deaths in Washington. During 2008, impaired drivers killed nearly half of the 522 people who died on Washington’s roadways. The 251 impaired driver-involved deaths last year represent a decrease of 22 fatalities compared to the previous five-year average.

For additional information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.