Law enforcement urges safe, sober driving for Cinco de Mayo weekend

OLYMPIA — As celebrations for Cinco de Mayo approach, state officials are warning drivers to prioritize safety on the roads. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) announced this week that law enforcement agencies statewide will increase patrols over the weekend, focusing on impaired driving and speeding violations.

“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, though not a federal holiday, has become widely celebrated with gatherings that often involve alcohol. State traffic officials say the holiday weekend is also associated with a rise in fatal crashes. According to data from WTSC, between 2019 and 2023, 207 people were killed on Washington roads during the Cinco de Mayo period. More than half of those crashes involved a driver impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Speeding, frequently a contributing factor in collisions, compounds the risk when combined with impaired driving.

“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.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 percent is twice as likely to be involved in a crash as a sober driver. Washington law defines legal impairment at a BAC of 0.08 percent, but safety officials emphasize that any amount of alcohol can reduce driving ability.

The WSP and WTSC are urging all residents to make safe transportation plans in advance and to encourage friends and family to do the same.

For more information on impaired driving and access to traffic safety resources, visit www.togetherwegetthere.com/impaired-driving.