The Washington State Patrol as well as other local law enforcement agencies in the state go above and beyond every year during the holiday season to ensure roads are safe. Unfortunately, many drivers choose to break the law, putting lives at risk. During the 2021 New Year’s weekend, officials said that at least nine drunk drivers were booked into the local county jail in Benton County.
According to the official reports, one of the allegedly drunk drivers caught over DUI offenses crashed his vehicle just south of the blue bridge in Kennewick. Authorities said the man lost control of his vehicle prior to the crash. Due to the accident, the driver suffered injuries. After receiving treatment for his wounds at a local hospital, he later booked into the Benton County jail. No other injuries were reported.
Drunk Driving Is Still A Problem In Washington
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that between 2016 and 2017, there was an 11 percent increase in the number of deadly DUI-related traffic accidents in the state of Washington. Nationwide, however, the number of DUI-related deaths dropped from 10,996 in 2016 to 10,974 in 2017.
While the country’s average seems to be on decline, several states continue to see an increase in drunk driving. It is heartbreaking to know that Washington appears to be one of them.
If you are a driver and you intend on going out at any given time to have a few drinks, plan ahead. Do not allow intoxicated driving to put your life or the lives of others in jeopardy.
Today, we have many more options available that help us to prevent drunk driving.
Making sure you have a designated driver or that you have access to ride apps such as Uber or Lyft are all great options to help you get home safely after having a few drinks. Help Washington officials keep the roads safe: do not drink and drive.
For more on the DUI incidents during New Year’s, follow this link.
