OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) have released results from their Cinco de Mayo weekend patrols.
The May 3 to May 5 patrols were part of a statewide effort to reduce risks associated with the annual celebration.
WTSC said in a release that officers made 11,561 contacts with drivers statewide, issuing 4,766 speeding tickets, 544 citations for distracted driving and 549 seat belt violations. Additionally, 191 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).
Chief John Batiste expressed gratitude towards the officers, saying, “Your commitment to keeping impaired drivers off our roads helped ensure a safer celebration for everyone in our community.”
Over the past five years, WSP said more than 200 people have died in Washington traffic crashes during the holiday period, with over half involving impaired drivers.
“These patrols serve as a reminder that traffic safety is a shared responsibility. We all play a role in preventing crashes and saving lives,” Shelly Baldwin, Director of the WTSC, said.
Drivers are urged to plan ahead, wear seat belts, adhere to speed limits and stay focused on the road.
Research indicates that a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 percent or higher significantly impairs driving ability, WSP said.
