Home > Archived: Decrease number of alcohol and/or drug related fatalities

Archived: Decrease number of alcohol and/or drug related fatalities

Data Source: Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) from the WA Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC).

Why is this important?

Impaired drivers were a factor in 44% of all traffic deaths between 2011-2013. In recent years, more fatalities involved a driver impaired by only drugs than drivers impaired by only alcohol. Nearly 25% of impaired driver-involved fatalities involved a driver impaired by BOTH alcohol and drugs.

The recent legalization of recreational marijuana (I-502) increases our concerns about drug-impaired driving. For information about marijuana and driving, visit : https://data.results.wa.gov/reports/Marijuana-and-Driving

What is being done?

Our system-wide approach in addressing impaired driving has led to support for prevention initiatives, comprehensive ignition interlock laws, and innovative, targeted full time DUI enforcement. Our relatively new Target Zero Teams (TZT) program is multi-jurisdictional which main focus is to arrest and remove impaired drivers from our roads. The TZT teams are functioning in five counties: King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and Yakima.

What are the results?

In 2011-2013, impaired driver involved deaths decreased 23% when compared to 2008-2010.

How can you help?

No INFORMATION