OLYMPIA – As Washingtonians prepare to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the Washington
State Patrol (WSP) and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) are reminding
drivers to make safe and responsible choices behind the wheel. Law enforcement agencies
across the state will be increasing patrols throughout the weekend, focusing on impaired
driving and speed enforcement.
“Our message is simple: Have fun but celebrate responsibly. Driving impaired endangers
your own life and the lives of others,” said WSP Chief John Batiste.
Cinco de Mayo has become associated with festivities that include drinking. Unfortunately,
it has also become a time of increased risk due to impaired and reckless driving. Between
2019 and 2023, there were 207 people killed on Washington roads during Cinco de Mayo,
with more than half of these crashes involving an impaired driver. Speeding, often
combined with impairment, remains one of the leading factors in fatal and serious injury
crashes in Washington.
“We’re asking everyone to plan ahead. Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or
stay the night if you’ve been drinking,” said Mark McKechnie, WTSC External Relations
Director.
Research shows that everyone’s ability to drive safely is impaired at a blood alcohol
concentration (BAC) of 0.05 percent or higher. At this level, drivers are twice as likely to be
involved in a crash compared to those who are sober.
For more information on impaired driving and safety resources, visit
https://www.togetherwegetthere.com/impaired-driving/.
