According to a report by the Bellevue Police Department, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol has been on the rise in Bellevue, with 236 drivers arrested for DUI from January to November 2022, a 36% increase from the previous year. These arrests have the potential to prevent tragic collisions, with 30% of the arrests this year involving collisions and 90% occurring at night. In an effort to combat this issue, Bellevue police have been participating in high-visibility DUI emphasis patrols and have made 13 additional arrests so far in December.
The increase in DUI arrests can also be attributed to the department’s participation in the King County Target Zero DUI Emphasis Patrols and the anti-crime initiative that Bellevue police launched earlier this year. This initiative focuses on targeted operations in areas with high rates of theft and criminal activity, including high-visibility patrols to combat collision-causing violations such as DUIs.
To ensure safe travels over the holidays, it is important to plan ahead and either designate a sober driver or utilize a rideshare service.
“We want everyone to get home safely to their loved ones,” Major Dave Sanabria added. “Unfortunately, more than 50% of traffic fatalities involve impaired drivers, and those deaths are completely preventable.”
