Local DUI patrols will be held June 29 and 30th in conjunction with Hoopfest. The purpose of the patrols is to get impaired drivers off the roads and make Hoopfest a safe family event for everyone. The patrols are funded by a grant from Washington Traffic Safety Commission and supported by the Spokane County Target Zero Task Force.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Valley Police Department, Spokane Police Department, Cheney Police Department, EWU Police Department, Washington State Patrol, City of Airway Heights Police Department and the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the extra emphasis patrols.
In Spokane County, 47% (69 of 147) of all traffic deaths from 2006 through 2010 involved an alcohol or drug-impaired motor vehicle driver. Over a third of all persons who died were ages 16 to 25. Males accounted for 73% of motor vehicle deaths involving an impaired driver in Spokane County. Over half of impaired driver-involved deaths were from crashes that occurred from 3:00 p.m. Friday to 6:00 a.m. Sunday.