Welcome to Skagit County

December 10, 2007

NIGHT OF 1,000 STARS” TRAFFIC SAFETY EMPHASIS PATROL

Wintertime driving can be hazardous. When mixed with alcohol it becomes deadly. That’s why law enforcement officers in Skagit County are joining their counterparts throughout Washington State on the night of Friday, December 14, for the 17th annual

“Night of 1,000 Stars” traffic safety emphasis patrol.

The purpose of this effort is to remove drinking drivers from our roads. In addition, officers will also be on the lookout for people who speed, drive aggressively or violate other traffic laws.

Impaired driving caused by alcohol – or some other drug – is the primary reason why people die in motor vehicle crashes. During last year’s “Night of 1,000 Stars”

201 drinking drivers were removed from Washington State roads and arrested for driving under the influence. Officers in Skagit County were responsible for arresting seven of those impaired drivers.

Law enforcement participating in this effort in Skagit County includes the Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley and Swinomish Police Departments, the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol.

The “Night of 1,000 Stars” symbolizes the badges that will be worn by the estimated 1,000 officers who will be on duty during this annual emphasis patrol. This is a cooperative effort involving the statewide Community DUI/Traffic Safety Task Forces, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and law enforcement agencies throughout Washington State.