Washington’s First Responders Record Holiday Message: “Step In” to Prevent Impaired Driving

Olympia, Washington –

In December 2019, there were 55 fatal crashes on Washington roads, the most crashes in any single month that year, and occurring in 37 of the state’s 39 counties. Driver impairment from more than one substance – usually alcohol and cannabis – is the most common factor in deadly crashes.

This year, first responders in Washington are calling on residents to do something to keep our roads safe this holiday season. Through videos being shared on social media, police officers, state troopers, firefighters and EMTs have a simple message: “Step In” and prevent someone from driving while under the influence.

“Law enforcement will add patrols looking for impaired drivers during the holidays and this year is no different,” said Mark Medalen, Washington Traffic Safety Commission Impaired Driving Program Manager.  “But law enforcement alone can’t prevent all impaired drivers from possibly hurting themselves or others. We can all step in to offer someone a couch to sleep on or a sober ride home. When we step in, we can save lives.”

First responders recorded the videos in early December, often recounting their stories of notifying a family that one of their own had been killed by a drunk or drugged driver.  A few responders told their stories of being hit and injured by an impaired driver or losing their own family members to an impaired driver. And everyone agrees that these crashes and deaths are preventable – if people step in.

“We have heard from law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and others who respond to these tragic and life-changing crashes every day. They have countless stories from their careers that are strong reminders that impaired drivers cause serious injuries and deaths on our roads.”

Many Washingtonians already Step In; 81 percent take action to prevent someone from driving impaired when in a position to intervene.  Interventions include:

• Arrange or provide a ride
• Offer your couch for the night
• Arrange for a friend of loved one to stay where they are
• Engage someone else to help, including calling 911

“Impaired driving crashes are devastating to not just the victims, but also the first responders, family, and friends,” said Medalen. “We hope everyone will follow the examples of these first responders to step in and commit to preventing impaired driving in their own families. Saving a life is the greatest gift we can give.”

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