For most, Memorial Day weekend is the first 3-day weekend many have had off since the beginning of the year. This is also traditionally the start of the camping and vacation season where many will hitch up the trailer or load up the camper and head out onto the open road.

Drivers should know ahead of time that the WSP will have extra Trooper’s, on top of those already working, looking for unsafe, impaired, speeding, aggressive and un-belted drivers. The WSP also plans to use our WSP aircraft to monitor drivers from the air, day and night.

In 2015, two people were killed on Washington State roadways during the Memorial Day weekend. This year the goal is to have zero serious injury or fatal collisions.

Whether you are meeting a few friends after work, traveling to your favorite destination or staying close to home, never drive after drinking—and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired.

We recommend the following easy steps for a safe Memorial Day:

• If you are hosting a party or BBQ where alcohol is involved, make sure transportation with a sober driver is set up prior to festivities beginning.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use Public Transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
• If you see a possible drunk driver or aggressive driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911 and report that driver.
• If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make arrangements to get to where they are going safely;