Submitted by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s 2023 Holiday DUI Campaign in Region 11 (Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan County) ran from Dec. 13 to Jan. 1.

There were 40 officers that participated from eight agencies making 420 traffic stops and arresting 17 DUI’s

Here is a list of the agencies that participated:

San Juan County Sheriff’s Office

Island County Sheriff’s Office

Oak Harbor Police Department

Skagit County Sheriff’s Office

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office

Lynden Police Department

Everson Police Department

Bellingham Police Department

The holiday season is an important time for these patrols, given the number of holiday festivities that often involve alcohol and/or drugs. Impaired driving due to alcohol or drug use is the top risk factor in fatal crashes. Everyone can help prevent impaired driving:

• Designate a sober driver before drinking or consuming impairing drugs

• Pre-plan the trip home by scheduling a rideshare or cab pick-up

• Arrange for family or friends to stay the night after holiday festivities

• Use public transportation

• Call 911 if you see or suspect someone is driving impaired

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