Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: Night of 1,000 Stars Set for This Weekend

Law enforcement agencies throughout Snohomish County and Washington state will again participate in the “Night of 1,000 Stars” impaired‐driving traffic safety emphasis patrols.  

For the past 22 years, law enforcement agencies throughout Washington have conducted “Night of 1,000 Stars” safety emphasis patrols. Each star symbolizes the badge worn by an on‐duty law enforcement officer.

This year’s patrols are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14 and 15. This statewide enforcement effort will coordinate resources to remove impaired drivers from the roads.

“Impaired driving caused by alcohol or another drug is the main reason people die in motor vehicle crashes,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “Sadly, it doesn’t have to be this way. People can make a choice not to drive under the influence."

Snohomish County law enforcement will be using the Washington State Patrol’s Mobile Impaired Driving Unit (MIDU) to process DUI drivers quickly so that officers can get back out on the road.

“Officers, deputies and troopers will also be on the lookout for people who speed, drive aggressively, are not wearing a seatbelt, or violate other traffic laws,” said Tracy McMillan, Snohomish County’s DUI & Target Zero Task Force manager.

These special overtime DUI & Target Zero emphasis patrols are paid for by a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to reduce traffic deaths and disabling injuries to zero by the year 2030.

Source: Snohomish County