An emphasis patrol for impaired drivers starts this weekend. For the past 20 years law enforcement agencies throughout Washington have conducted “Night of 1,000 Stars” impaired driving traffic safety emphasis patrols. Each “star” represents the badge worn by an on duty law enforcement officer. This year’s patrol, scheduled for Friday, December 17, is dedicated to all fallen officers, the Washington officers who have died in the line of duty, and the officers who continue to protect and serve.
This statewide enforcement will look for drivers impaired by alcohol and other drugs. Officers will also be on the lookout for people who speed, drive aggressively, are not wearing a seatbelt, or violate other traffic laws.
There were 44 traffic fatalities in Spokane County in 2009, 20 from impaired drivers.