Rise in Traffic Fatalities for Washington

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Its a growing and alarming trend; more people are dying in auto accidents due to impairment. In 2014, there were 229 traffic fatalities. Ninety-nine of the fatalities were due to cannabis impairment. According to Doug Dahl, Washington State Traffic Safety Commission, more people are being killed in auto accidents do to drug impairment then alcohol impairment.

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The WPC is concerned about this trend and plans to implement an awareness campaign to educate drivers, young and old, on the danger of driving while under the influence of substances. Efforts are underway to send the message that driving while impaired is NOT okay. This message is of particular importance for our young people. While young drivers, under the age of 25, only make up 13% of drivers they account for 1/3 of traffic fatalities. The leading cause of auto fatalities for youth: impairment, speeding and distraction. 

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A big thanks for Doug for sharing information and data with the coalition at our June meeting. 

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