TRI-CITES, Wash. – According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2016 and 2020, more than 800 people died in drunk driving crashes over the Thanksgiving weekend. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s report said 2022 saw the most traffic deaths in the state since 1990 and between 2017 and 2021, 32% of deadly crashes in Washington involved alcohol.
CC is a bartender at Ray’s Golden Lion and said ensuring DUIs are prevented is extremely important to her.
“First, I offer them food and then water,” CC said. “If I realize they’re not going to want to stop drinking, then I cut them off because not only is it dangerous for people on the road, it’s a liability to us as well. I take having my liquor license very seriously.”
Claire Venema, the Community Relations Specialist for the Richland Police Department, said with the holiday season upon us, RPD will have patrols out looking for people drinking and driving.
“Don’t drink and drive,” said Venema. “This is not drinksgiving. If you do decide to drink, then call a friend, call an Uber, just don’t get behind that wheel.”
According to Venema, while they will have patrols out, RPD won’t have extra patrols. According to Venema, DUIs on Thanksgiving have dropped from 5 on Thanksgiving in 2017 to just 1 in 2022.
Trooper Chris Thorson from Washington State Patrol said WSP will have extra patrols out looking for drunk drivers on the highways.
“It takes one drunk driver to kill an entire family, but you wanted to cut their life short because of your drinking,” CC said.
She said if she thinks you’re too intoxicated to drive, she’ll call you a taxi.
According to Trooper Thorson, Thanksgiving is one of WSP’s busiest holidays when it comes to intoxicated drivers.
One local business owner is taking a new approach to prevent people from getting a DUI.
Benjamin Trent, the owner of Mothertruckers LLC, said he’s been affected by DUIs, with some friends of his being injured.
Trent said he would come and get you and your car by offering a unique way of getting home. Trent has a truck to drive you home in and a flatbed that will fit two cars to keep someone from getting a DUI.
“That one phone call can make the difference of life continuing on completely normal for somebody instead of changing the events of the world around them,” said Trent.
Trent said you can schedule a service that costs $150, and he will get you no matter what time.
