DUI-CA Summer 2019

Key Messages

Driving drunk or high is dangerous. Make a plan before you party.
Most people in Washington believe driving impaired is unsafe and unacceptable.
Drivers who are impaired from more than one substance – usually alcohol and cannabis – are now the most common type of impaired driver involved in fatal crashes.
If you use marijuana after drinking alcohol, you increase your crash risk.
We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe for everyone. Step up to save a life. Intervening is what we do as friends, family and neighbors.
There’s more than one way to plan:
- Choose a designated driver
- Taxi or rideshare
- Take public transportation
- Spend the night
- Leave your car at home
- Download and use the Safer Ride app to your phone, which can help get you home safely

Alcohol and drug impaired driving is the leading contributing factor in Washington fatal crashes. Nearly half of all traffic deaths in Washington involve an impaired driver.
Most adults in Washington do NOT drive under the influence, however:
- 22 percent report driving within two hours of consuming alcohol
- 15 percent report driving within two hours of consuming cannabis
- 9 percent report driving within two hours of consuming cannabis and alcohol
From 2012 to 2017, Washington experienced a 15 percent per year increase in the number of drivers involved in fatal crashes who were impaired from more than one substance.
Alcohol and cannabis are the most common combination of intoxicants.

Nearly 150 law enforcement agencies in Washington are conducting extra patrols August 14 – September 2, but safe driving isn’t just a law enforcement issue, it’s an issue for everyone and it’s up to everyone to take action.
Being arrested for a DUI is expensive. Expect to pay at least $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work higher insurance rates, car towing and repairs, and more.

Impaired driving includes:

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