Welcome to Skagit County

March 15th, 2010

Saint Patrick’s Day Impaired Driver Emphasis Patrols

Saint Patrick’s it is widely observed by Americans of all ethnic backgrounds, as we celebrate this day in the company of friends. Unfortunately, this celebratory mood can quickly turn deadly when coupled with driving.

For this reason, Skagit County law enforcement will be conducting a DUI Emphasis Patrol on the evening and night of Saint Patrick’s Day. While this effort is county wide, the heaviest concentration of officers will be found between Burlington and Sedro-Woolley, an area frequently travelled by people who have been drinking too much.

Officers from the Washington State Patrol, Skagit County Sheriff’s Department and the Police Departments of Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley and the Swinomish Police will be participating in this emphasis effort.

Everyone celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day needs to plan ahead and decide on a safe way to return home before the party starts. Choices can include using a designated driver, taking a taxi cab, or calling someone who has not been partying to pick them up and safely drive them to their home.

This statewide emphasis effort is a collective effort of Law Enforcement, the Community Target Zero Traffic Safety Task Forces and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.