As ghosts and goblins wind their way through the streets this weekend, the Tacoma Pierce County DUI Task Force will be removing impaired drivers from their cars and arresting them in Fife and the surrounding area.
More alcohol-fueled parties are expected this year because Halloween falls on a weekend when kids are out of school and most parents are off work. The AAA reports that the number of fatalities increases 30% whenever Halloween falls on a weekend.
"Halloween is, in fact, a pretty scary holiday, says Mike Mitchell, Chief of the Bonney Lake Police Department and chair of the Tacoma Pierce County DUI Task Force. "It can be as dangerous to be on the road as it is on New Year's Eve."
To make sure that everyone's fun-filled weekend doesn't turn into a nightmare on Saturday night, officers from over ten law enforcement agencies, including the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and the Washington State Patrol, will be looking for alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers. Specially trained officers will be on hand to assist in the arrest of anyone impaired by illegal or prescription drugs.
Additionally, the Washington State Liquor Control Board will team with the Fife Police Department to conduct compliance checks at local stores, bars and taverns.
"We won't just be arresting drivers Saturday night," says Mitchell. "We'll be handing out candy to any sober, designated driver whose drinking friends made the right choice by planning ahead for a safe ride home."
Last year's Halloween DUI-focused sweep along SR 410 resulted in 13 adults and one teenager being arrested for impaired driving and an additional four minors being charged with possessing or consuming alcohol or marijuana.
Law enforcement from eight other counties in this special "Surround the Sound" holiday patrol will include Whatcom, Snohomish, King, Thurston, Mason, Kitsap, Jefferson and Clallam counties. "No matter what your age, with so many officers out, it's going to be really hard to drink and drive and get away with it this weekend," says Mitchell.
CONTACT: Gloria Mansfield Averill, Coordinator, Tacoma/Pierce County DUI Task Force, 253-798-6112 or 253/222-9088 (c); or Carol Mockridge, Communications Department, 253-798-6228
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