DUI SCAM ALERT
SCAM ALERT: If you see an ad telling you that you can get paid for not having a DUI, it is not true. Please ignore the scam. It has been going around for a while. You can read more about it on PolitiFact or on Snopes.
Webinar on 0.05 BAC
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) along with the Department of Health (DOH) and Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) hosted a webinar to discuss the effects of alcohol consumption on a person’s ability to drive safely and the relationship between Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels and crash risk. The webinar featured Dr. Tao Kwan-Gett, Chief Science Officer for the Washington Department of Health, and Mark McKechnie, Director of External Relations for the WTSC.
Click here for the PowerPoint presentation.
Select this link for Utah’s 0.05 report.
Below is a recording of the webinar:
WTSC Urges Using Sober Ride Options to Get Home Safely
For Immediate release
August 8, 2024
OLYMPIA – The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is urging Washingtonians to use sober ride options to prevent impaired driving and ensure the safety of Washington’s roadways. In 2023, there were 810 traffic fatalities in Washington, with 400 of those involving an impaired driver. Roadway deaths involving an impaired driver increased 59 percent from 2019 to 2023, but we may be seeing the start of a decline in 2024.
“We all have a responsibility to keep our roads safe,” said WTSC External Relations Director, Mark McKechnie. “Drunk driving is one of the greatest threats on our roads. By choosing a sober ride option, you can help prevent tragedies and protect yourself and others on the road.”
Impairment begins at a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) than the current .08 legal limit. Reduced coordination, difficulty steering, reduced ability to track moving objects, and reduced response to emergency situations begin at .05 BAC. Crash risk is doubled for a person at .05 and tripled at .07 BAC, compared to a sober driver.
The WTSC offers several recommendations for sober ride options:
- Designate a sober driver before consuming alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs
- Use ride share services
- Take public transportation, such as buses or trains
- call a taxi or other car service
- Stay the night at your destination, if possible
Law enforcement agencies throughout the state will be conducting DUI high-visibility patrols beginning August 12 through Labor Day. Patrols will be monitoring traffic for instances of impaired driving and removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.
New PSAs in English and Spanish from the WTSC will air on streaming video and audio platforms, radio, social media, and out of home media during the emphasis period encouraging the use of ride options to get home safely. A 30-second video called, “Plan Ahead,” can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_LKz3W2bTo.
For more information on impaired driving prevention and sober ride options, please visit https://togetherwegetthere.com/impaired-driving.
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Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Captain Jeff Godbey Honored as Law Enforcement Liaison of the Year for 2023
Lewis County, WA — The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is proud to announce that Captain Jeff Godbey of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office has been named the Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) of the Year for 2023. This award recognizes Captain Godbey’s dedication to traffic safety and his outstanding contributions to the community. He was honored at the Region 3 Traffic Safety Task Force meeting on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. The Statewide Law Enforcement Liaison, Bob Thompson, presented Captain Godbey with the award.
“Captain Godbey’s commitment to traffic safety and his innovative approach to community partnerships have made a tremendous impact,” said Thompson. “We are proud to recognize his contributions and leadership.”
Captain Godbey has been the LEL for Lewis County since 2018, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries. He began his career as an Explorer and then spent 13 years focusing on impaired driving as a Drug Recognition Expert.
Throughout his tenure, Captain Godbey has forged strong partnerships within the community and law enforcement agencies. His efforts in organizing events like the ABATE Spring Opener, the Night of 1000 Stars, and the Annual Traffic Safety Awards Banquet have significantly contributed to promoting traffic safety and honoring those who uphold it.
Captain Godbey’s proactive approach extends to educational initiatives such as Safety City, which teaches essential traffic safety skills to over 1,000 elementary students annually. His engagement with high school programs and events like National Night Out fosters positive relationships between youth and law enforcement, furthering community trust and safety awareness.
In addition to his local impact, Captain Godbey collaborates with surrounding counties to enhance law enforcement training and knowledge. His recent hosting of an Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) training exemplifies his dedication to professional development and regional cooperation.
The success of the Lewis County Target Zero Task Force owes much to Captain Godbey’s tireless efforts. His passion for prevention, education, and enforcement has made significant strides in making roadways safer for everyone.
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Washington Deploys Statewide Seat Belt Enforcement to Save Lives
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Today, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) announces that High Visibility Enforcement patrols are active across the state to monitor for drivers who are not wearing their seat belts or do not have child passengers in the correct car seat. These emphasis patrols are running from May 20 – June 2 as part of WTSC’s annual seat belt campaign, which strives to remind Washingtonians that wearing a seat belt is one of the most important and effective ways to survive a crash.
WTSC measures seat belt use through observational and random response surveys. The observed rate in 2023 was 93.3%. However, the Annual Statewide Traffic Safety Survey shows that seat belt use declined slightly across the state in 2023. One concerning trend is that only 83% of people surveyed said they usually wear a seat belt when in the back seat of a vehicle. The survey also showed that some people are hesitant to ask each other to buckle up, with almost 18% of respondents saying they’d be slightly uncomfortable asking someone else to use a seat belt.
“Wearing a seat belt drastically decreases the chance of dying or being seriously injured in a collision, regardless of where you are sitting in a vehicle. Airbags and other safety features are designed to work best when you are buckled up,” said Erica Stineman, Communications Manager, WTSC. “We are asking everyone to take advantage of this focus on seat belts to make sure everyone in their vehicle is secured safely, every time they drive.”
Despite Washington maintaining a high seat belt use rate for many years, the number of fatalities and serious injuries involving people not wearing seat belts has increased to the highest number since before 2010. WTSC urges all Washingtonians to buckle up because it is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. The campaign will pay extra attention to regions of the state where seat belt use was significantly lower than the statewide seat belt use rate, including Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Mason, Stevens, and Thurston counties.
“We know that a vast majority of people in Washington use their seat belts, and we appreciate you helping us make the road a safer place,” continued Stineman. “Our hope is that this campaign will reach some of the folks who choose not to buckle up so we can get closer to 100% seat belt use across the state this year.”
WTSC is asking businesses and parents to help by creating and enforcing seat belt expectations. In the 2023 study, 29% of employed respondents said their workplace either did not require seat belts or did not have a policy about seat belt use, with only 33% reporting that their employers did have a policy in place. Similarly, nearly 9% of people surveyed stated that they did not have seat belt rules within their family.
Parents and caregivers can take advantage of this focus on seat belts to ensure that their child passengers are also secured safely. For the best protection, a child should remain in each stage of restraint until they reach the maximum height and weight based on the manufacturer’s instructions. According to the law in Washington, children up to age 13 must also ride in the back seat when practical to do so. Many communities have certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians available to help caregivers ensure they are using the right seats in the right ways.
Washington state laws require that everyone in a motor vehicle wears a safety restraint that is properly fastened. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt or appropriate child restraint costs $136. More information can be found at the WTSC’s Together We Get There website. Child passenger safety resources are at wacarseats.com with materials available in seven languages.
Seven State Health, Transportation, and Safety Agency Directors Ask Legislature to Pass 0.05 BAC Law
Drive Safely on Washington Roads this Holiday Season
Enhanced patrols on roads and highways begin December 13
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is asking Washingtonians to have a happy holiday season by travelling safely and responsibly on all roads and highways.
Law enforcement agencies across the state will have an increased presence on roads over a period from December 13 to January 1 to help remind everyone to drive safely. Patrols will be monitoring traffic for instances of impaired driving. Last year, 740 people died on Washington roads, with more than half of those fatalities involving alcohol or drug impaired driving.
Impaired driving due to alcohol or drug use is the top risk factor in fatal crashes. It is also preventable. Impairment begins at a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) than the current .08 legal limit. Reduced small muscle control (including eye focus), impaired judgment, and reduced alertness begin at .05 BAC. Before someone reaches .07 BAC, their crash risk has doubled.
Jack Fletcher is a safe-driving advocate whose life was changed by an impaired driver. In July 2014, he was hit head-on by a driver whose BAC was twice the legal limit. “I was hit head-on by a drunk driver. I was placed in an induced coma for five days and woke up to a new reality. I don’t ever call my crash an accident because accidents aren’t preventable. This was very preventable.”
“Most people drive sober, but the small number of people who drive impaired pose a serious risk to themselves and to all of us on our roads,” said Mark McKechnie, WTSC External Relations Director. “Everyone plays a role in making our roads safer. Talking with those closest to us and setting a safe example is a great way to get started.”
Everyone can help prevent impaired driving. WTSC offers some advice for holiday revelers before they get behind the wheel:
- Designate a sober driver before drinking
- 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
Public policy can also prevent impaired driving fatalities. This coming year, the Washington State legislature will consider lowering the BAC limit for operating a motor vehicle from .08 percent to .05 percent to accurately reflect when impairment really starts. More than 84 percent of people on the planet live in countries that have BAC limits of .05 percent or lower because these limits effectively reduce the number of crashes and prevent traffic fatalities.
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December 4-8, 2023 is Older Driver Safety Awareness Month
Older Driver Safety Awareness: Keeping Our Loved Ones Safe
In 2021, older adults (65 and older) accounted for approximately 17% of the U.S. population. For this demographic, mobility and independence are essential to staying engaged and active. However, as people age, their physical, visual, and cognitive functions can decline, making them more vulnerable to severe injury or even death when involved in a vehicle crash. Being proactive about safe driving skills, learning ways to identify changes early, and intervening as soon as possible can help older drivers maintain safe mobility. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers information and guidance to help the families and caretakers of older drivers have open and honest discussions with their older loved ones to ensure they are safe on the road for years to come.
Between 2012 and 2021, the United States population of people 65 and older increased by 29%. In 2021, 7,489 people 65 and older were killed in traffic crashes in the United States accounting for 17% of all traffic fatalities. As the older driver population continues to increase on our nation’s roads, NHTSA is dedicated more than ever to promoting safe behaviors of older drivers.
NHTSA encourages family and caregivers to sit down with the older drivers in their life and discuss a “transportation plan” that may help identify alternative transportation options if necessary. Families and caregivers may suggest that older drivers have their vision and hearing checked regularly, and to ask health care providers to review medications for potential interactions. It’s also a good idea for older drivers to plan trips during the daytime when traffic is lighter and it’s easier to see.
Today’s vehicles are equipped with many safety features. Families and caregivers should take time to review vehicle manuals with older drivers, and, if needed, older drivers should always seek assistance to better understand how these features work. There are special adaptive devices to help drivers remain behind the wheel as long as they can do so safely.
Plan for safe mobility beyond the driver’s seat early on before you notice difficulties by exploring alternate transportation options with older drivers. Most importantly, families and caregivers should show compassion for older drivers who may no longer be able to drive. This can be a difficult time for all involved in these conversations. Understanding and empathizing can go a long way in easing the transition.
NHTSA offers free resources on keeping safe as drivers age and provides information about how families and caregivers can create a safe system for all road users whether driving, walking, or cycling. Visit NHTSA at www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/older-drivers.
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November 19 is World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Victims
The lives of 5,624 people were lost on Washington State roadways due to traffic-related crashes over the past decade – 20 percent of whom were killed either walking or riding a bicycle. Each one of these individual tragedies leaves behind countless loved ones affected by the loss. Each person killed leaves behind people who cared deeply about them – parents, children, siblings, spouses, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and others. They are missed every day.
We pause to remember all of them on November 19th, as part of the World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Victims.
“The Washington Traffic Safety Commission works every day to prevent these tragedies. We do this by increasing our understanding of the underlying causes so that we can act before it’s too late,” said Shelly Baldwin, WTSC Director. “These are not accidents. Fatal crashes are preventable.”
“Obtaining a driver license requires knowing safe driving practices,” said Marcus Glasper, director of the Department of Licensing. “Injuries and fatalities can be significantly reduced by applying that knowledge every time you drive.”
In 2023, the Commission sponsored a statewide survey of adults on various aspects of traffic safety. Survey responses came from all Washington counties and major demographic groups by age, gender, race, and ethnicity. A total of 10,964 Washington adults completed valid surveys.
A majority (51 percent) of respondents said it was moderately to extremely dangerous to drive on public roads in Washington. The rates were higher for walking or jogging (55 percent) or riding a bicycle (80 percent). Public transportation was considered the safest mode of travel by 69 percent of survey respondents.
People who travel on our roads understand some of the risks more than others. Seventy-five percent said that it is “very or extremely dangerous” to drive after consuming potentially impairing prescription drugs, and 85 percent said that manipulating cell phones with your hands while driving was also very or extremely dangerous. Compared to previous decades, there is much greater recognition of the dangers of driving impaired or being distracted on the road.
On the other hand, a mere 32 percent said that driving 10 miles per hour (mph) or more over the speed limit is “very or extremely dangerous.” Speeding has remained more common and acceptable.
“Speeding and erratic driving are a growing problem on our roadways,” said Washington’s Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar. “We need to recognize the speed and safety tradeoffs and give a little on speed to save so much more overall. As long as higher speeds are the norm, we know more people will die and more families will experience the tragic loss of a loved one.”
Washington saw the highest number of pedestrian fatalities on record in 2021. They fell only slightly last year. Excessive speed contributes to serious crashes in fundamental and important ways. Speed narrows our vision and attention, reduces reaction time and stopping distance, and increases crash forces exponentially.
Speed literally kills, and the reasons come down to basic biology and physics. At 25 mph or less, 90 percent of pedestrians will survive a collision. Due to force increasing exponentially with speed, a pedestrian is five times more likely to die when struck by a vehicle travelling 42 mph, compared to a vehicle travelling 23 mph.
An encouraging sign from the survey was that 58 percent of Washington adults would be very or extremely comfortable asking someone who is speeding or driving aggressively to slow down.
“We can honor those we have lost by actively choosing to buckle up, slow down, drive sober, and be focused on actually driving,” said Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste. “Any other choice can lead to the loss of someone we love, which is an outcome we all must work together to make come to an end.”
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Washington’s Traffic Safety Crisis
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and Washington State Patrol (WSP) are sounding the alarm about the state’s worsening traffic safety crisis. We lost 750 lives in fatal collisions on Washington roads in 2022. As of July 2023, Washington has experienced more traffic deaths compared to the same time last year.
“We have seen more multi-fatality crashes in 2023, which is making this a historically deadly year,” said Shelly Baldwin, WTSC Director. “We are announcing these very preliminary figures because we need everyone’s help right now. Driving sober, driving focused, respecting speed limits, and buckling up are the four best ways to save a life,” Baldwin added.
The initial data from the WTSC show there were 417 fatalities through July 31, 2023, compared to 413 at the same point in 2022. Last year was the deadliest year on Washington roads since 1990.
While more total lives have been lost, there have been fewer deadly crash incidents so far in 2023 compared to 2022. This means deadly crashes are resulting in more deaths per crash.
Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste
“Saving lives on our highways involves everyone’s participation – and that includes passengers,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “Driver decisions are an obvious factor in fatal collisions, but passengers have a duty to ensure their own safety by always choosing to buckle up. We need this disheartening trend to turn around, and we cannot do that without everyone’s participation.”
The WSP and WTSC are nearing the end of a summerlong campaign educating the public about the 90 Dangerous Days of summer. Over the past five years, the summer months have resulted in the deadliest 90-day stretch for drivers on Washington roadways. State and local law enforcement will be out and will be visible throughout the Labor Day weekend to provide an extra reminder for everyone to be safe.
Everyone who uses Washington roads can do their part to avoid the fatal four: impairment, distraction, speeding, and not wearing seat belts. All cyclists should wear helmets and other protective gear and be as visible as possible. Motorists should also watch out for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
Among the 750 people who tragically lost their lives in 2022 on Washington roadways, 565 deaths (75 percent) involved one or more of the fatal four behaviors.
“The power to save lives is in the hands of every driver on our roads,” Baldwin said. “Going into Labor Day and the final four months of 2023, we still have time change this trend. Please get a sober ride if you have used drugs or alcohol. Higher speeds endanger the lives of everyone, so please respect the speed limit. If we practice these simple safety behaviors each day, we can save hundreds of lives so that they will be here to enjoy the holidays with their family and friends.”
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Increased motorcycle safety patrols begin July 7
OLYMPIA, WA — More motorcycles travel on Washington’s roads in the summer months than any other time of the year. Officials are concerned that fatal motorcycle crashes continue to increase in our state. In a continued effort to reduce these crashes, increased safety patrols will be visible July 7 and run through July 23 in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties.
The patrols will focus on illegal driving behaviors by both motorcycle riders and other vehicle drivers. Local law enforcement agencies, along with the Washington State Patrol, will be working overtime focused on drivers and riders who commit traffic safety violations.
“The increasing number of motorcycle rider deaths is very concerning and we know that we can all work to prevent these deaths,” said Shelly Baldwin, Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. “Drivers can watch out for motorcyclists. Riders can improve their skills through training. All of us can respect speed limits and ride and drive sober.”
From 2018 through 2022, motorcycles made up just 3 percent of the registered vehicles on Washington’s roads but accounted for 16 percent of all traffic fatalities (492 of 3,076). In 2022 alone, preliminary data shows 132 motorcycle rider fatalities in Washington, possibly the most in a single year in our state’s history. This was a 43 percent increase over 2021.
While about two-thirds of fatal motorcycle crashes involved another vehicle, illegal and dangerous actions by the rider including speeding, losing control in corners and curves, improper passing, and riding under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs were the main contributing factors cited in these crashes.
“Summer events can bring thousands of people together from across our state,” Baldwin added. “We want to ensure that everyone enjoys the journey and arrives back home safely.”
In June 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a study supporting the effectiveness of law enforcement patrols in reducing unsafe driving behavior and crashes. The WTSC and participating law enforcement agencies condemn profiling. Trained and commissioned law enforcement officers will be conducting these patrols enforcing traffic violations as defined by Washington State laws.
For training and safety videos, gear recommendations, and other information on Washington’s motorcycle safety program, please visit https://www.ridesaferideon.com/.
These and all extra law enforcement patrols sponsored by WTSC are part of Target Zero—striving to end traffic deaths and serious injuries on Washington’s roadways. For more information, visit www.targetzero.com. Additional information on the Washington Traffic Safety Commission can be found on the website, www.wtsc.wa.gov.
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Source: WTSC Research and Data Division:
| Year | Total Traffic Fatalities | Motorcycle Fatalities | Percentage of Total |
| 2018 | 539 | 80 | 15% |
| 2019 | 538 | 95 | 18% |
| 2020 | 574 | 93 | 16% |
| 2021 | 675 | 92 | 14% |
| 2022 (preliminary) | 750 | 132 | 18% |
| Totals | 3,076 | 492 | 16% |
For journalists on word choice:
A “crash” or “collision” happens when a vehicle collides with another object. Using the word “accident” assumes it was a bizarre occurrence that no one could have stopped, when in fact the circumstances leading up to 90 percent of car crashes are predictable and preventable. WTSC is seeing and hearing “crash” or “collision” in the news more often lately and wants to thank journalists who are making this insightful choice.
Washington Traffic Safety Commission to increase seat belt patrols beginning May 15
OLYMPIA — Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) supports annual law enforcement campaigns to increase seat belt use. This year’s campaign will be May 15 through June 4. Seat belt use plays a critical role in reducing the severity of traffic-related injuries and remains a national and Washington state priority. Since 2015, approximately one in five fatalities were unrestrained vehicle occupants. Early 2022 estimates suggest an upward trend in fatal and serious crashes involving unrestrained occupants.
Following a slight decrease from 94.2% to 93.9% in seat belt use among Washingtonians in 2022, the upcoming seat belt patrol aims to increase seat belt use and prevent traffic-related injuries and fatalities. “Our goal is not to write more tickets but to remind drivers of the importance of seat belt use and to ensure safety for everyone on the road,” said Mark McKechnie, External Relations Director at WTSC.
In order to help people remember to buckle up and avoid a ticket, WTSC is running their “However You Say It” campaign, which uses easy and friendly examples to help remind everyone to buckle up. A Spanish-language campaign, “Loteria,” will also run. These ads will air on social media, TV and radio, and video and audio streaming services in an effort to underscore this message throughout the state.
McKechnie shared, “Most Washingtonians buckle up when they’re on the road. And it’s easy to remind the people you ride with to do it, too. You never know when that simple reminder could save a life.”
For more information about seat belt use in Washington state, explore WTSC’s 2022 report or visit https://www.togetherwegetthere.com/seat-belts/.
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2022 Saw Most Traffic Deaths on Washington Roads Since 1990
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s (WTSC) initial data for 2022 shows the greatest number of deaths on Washington roads and highways since 1990. Preliminary reports show that 745 people were killed in crashes last year.
Impairment by drugs and alcohol is involved in more than half of fatal crashes. According to a December 2022 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Alcohol-involved crashes resulted in 14,219 fatalities, 497,000 nonfatal injuries, and $68.9 billion in economic costs in 2019….” Continue Reading 2022 Saw Most Traffic Deaths on Washington Roads Since 1990
We All Play a Role in Getting Everyone Home for the Holidays
Each year, the holidays bring friends, families, and loved ones together. However, for too many families, this time of year is also a stark reminder of those who are missing from the celebrations. As of the end of October this year, there were 639 people in Washington who died in traffic crashes, and whose chairs will be empty at holiday gatherings. “Traffic fatalities reached a 20-year high in 2021, and preliminary data through October shows that there have been 15% more deaths so far in 2022, compared to the first 10 months of 2021,” said Mark McKechnie from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC). “Every year, more than half of traffic fatalities involve impaired drivers.” Continue Reading We All Play a Role in Getting Everyone Home for the Holidays
