Washington state is grappling with a rising tide of impaired driving incidents, leaving families devastated and communities searching for solutions. The issue has gained traction in recent years, with advocates and lawmakers working tirelessly to address the problem. This article delves into the current state of impaired driving in Washington, the new laws aimed at curbing it, and the personal stories that highlight the urgent need for change.
The impact of impaired driving is far-reaching, affecting not just the drivers but entire families and communities. Ashley Bonus, a victim’s advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), knows this all too well. Her sister, Stacy, was tragically killed by an impaired driver in, just steps away from her home in Auburn. Stacy, a dedicated school teacher, had recently graduated from her master’s program and had a bright future ahead of her.
The rising trend of impaired driving
The number of impaired drivers in Washington has been on the rise, according to Bradley Lane, a State Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor. Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase in DUI referrals to the tox lab, with a recent 5% year-over-year rise. This trend is attributed to a combination of factors, including the increased availability of fentanyl and lingering issues post-COVID-19 pandemic.
While fentanyl is a growing concern, traditional substances like alcohol and THC from marijuana continue to be the most prevalent causes of impaired driving. The rise in these incidents has put a spotlight on the need for stronger laws and enforcement to keep Washington’s roads safe.
New laws aimed at curbing impaired driving
In response to the rising trend, Washington state has enacted new laws to tackle impaired driving. House Bill 1493, which came into effect earlier this year, makes several significant changes to state statutes. One key change is the allowance for a second deferred prosecution, which gives individuals charged with a misdemeanor the opportunity to receive treatment and have charges dismissed upon successful completion.
The bill also extends the felony look-back period from 10 to 15 years, aiming to hold repeat offenders more accountable. Ashley Bonus expresses hope that these new laws will contribute to a cultural shift, making impaired driving socially unacceptable. However, she emphasizes that a lower legal limit for blood alcohol or drug levels could also play a crucial role in reducing impaired driving incidents.
The push for a lower per se limit
Advocates like Bonus and Lane are pushing for a lower per se limit, which is the legal threshold of blood alcohol or drug levels that a driver may have. Currently, Washington’s legal limit is set at 0.08%, but research has shown that impairment begins well before this threshold. Utah is the only state with a lower limit of 0.05%, and early evidence suggests it is effective in reducing impaired driving incidents.
MADD has been advocating for a lower per se limit in Washington for five years, and while the state legislature has come close to passing it, it has not yet been enacted. Bonus acknowledges that a lower limit alone will not solve the problem but believes it is an important piece of the puzzle. Stronger accountability and enforcement of current laws are also crucial in the fight against impaired driving.
The role of enforcement and advocacy
Enforcement remains one of the strongest deterrents for impaired driving, according to Lane. Dedicated DUI squads, like the one previously active in Seattle, have shown recordable gains in reducing impaired driving incidents. These specialized teams are essential for maintaining the skills and knowledge required for effective impaired driving investigations.
Advocacy efforts by organizations like MADD also play a vital role in raising awareness and pushing for stronger laws. Bonus and Lane are optimistic about the future, believing that with continued tenacity and effort, Washington can eventually solve the problem of impaired driving. As the state legislature prepares to consider new legislation at the start of, the hope is that these efforts will lead to safer roads and fewer families devastated by impaired driving incidents.
