TRI-CITIES, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol reported that 19 people were arrested over Labor Day Weekend for driving under the influence.
These 19 arrests happened between Yakima and Walla Walla counties, eight of which happened in the Tri-Cities area. Trooper Chris Thorson says that this number is more than 2022 and 2023’s Labor Day Weekend arrests combined.
Trooper Chris Thorson, the Public Information Officer for WSP’s District 3, says even through rigorous reminders, the public still went out driving after drinking.
“You know, the numbers are concerning… it just doesn’t seem like it landed this year with the general public,” says Thorson.
Trooper Thorson cited that one of the largest jumps in DUI arrests occurred in the Yakima, Grandview and Sunnyside areas.
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, in 2022, out of the total 740 traffic fatalities in Washington State, over half involved an impaired driver.
In 2023, the WTSC funded and implemented a new safety program called Teen Target Zero, designed to replace the old “Every 15 Seconds” program. Trooper Thorson has taught the new program in schools, and says that the program covers a wide range of subjects.
“We’re getting into the classrooms in front of these new 16-year-old drivers and saying here are the dangers of driving impaired… And we talk about everything across the board,” says Thorson.
