EVERETT, DEC. 25: Being booked into jail for a DUI is not on most people’s wish list, but it’s something at least 22% Washingtonians will receive when deciding to drive under the influence.
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), 346 people were killed in impaired driver-involved crashes in 2024. To help keep roads safe during this busy travel season, law enforcement agencies across the state have been conducting extra DUI patrols that will last through New Year’s Day.
Washington State Patrol (WSP) District 7 Public Information Officer, Trooper Kelsey Harding, shared a post on X dubbing Christmas Eve’s emphasis patrols as “Sober Santa Patrol.” Officers patrolled I-5 from Marine View Dr to 44th Ave in Lynnwood between the hours of 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. looking for “collision causing driving behaviors.”
🎄🚨 Attention! Santa Sober Patrol is coming! 🚨🎄
On Christmas Eve, patrols will be watching for collision-causing violations.Plan ahead, drive responsibly, and keep the holidays happy and safe!#ChristmasPatrol #DriveSafe #HolidaySafety pic.twitter.com/8EwgiKSFVB
— Trooper Kelsey Harding (@wspd7pio) December 22, 2025
“The holidays are a special time for so many,” WSP Chief John Batiste said. “We want everyone to be able to spend this time with their loved ones, and in order to do that, we all need to make good, safe choices to drive sober.”
If you’re in a situation where someone who’s drunk or high is trying to drive, WTSC suggests stepping in by:
- Arranging or providing a ride
- Offer your couch for the night
- Arrange for them to stay where they are
- Engage someone else to help, including calling 911
For more information on impaired driving, visit the WTSC information page.
