The Shelton Police Department’s recent DUI emphasis resulted in 44 infractions, two DUI investigations, and seven arrests. Shelton Officers conducted the emphasis from December 10th to January 2nd and made over 90 traffic stops for suspected impaired driving.
“Officers were on the lookout for drivers under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs over the holiday season,” stated Lt. Mike Fiola. “Unfortunately, we tend to see an increase in the number of impaired drivers on the road during that time. We conducted the emphasis in an effort to keep those drivers off the road.”
Shelton police officers dedicated over 33 hours to DUI emphasis patrols over the past month as part of the state’s High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) program, thanks to grant funding from the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC).
Impaired drivers are a factor in nearly half of all traffic-related fatalities throughout the state of Washington, and over 21% of all serious injuries. Impaired driving is defined as:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs,
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol, or
- Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or above.
The primary mission of the Shelton Police Department is to protect life and property. Shelton PD is pursuing additional grant funding in 2018 for targeted DUI emphasis patrols.
As a friendly reminder, please don’t drink and drive.