If you enjoyed a Super Bowl party several Sundays ago you may have seen them on the roadside. Target Zero was out in force in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties for Super Bowl Sunday, looking for Super Bowl fans that had too much to drink. Three dozen offices were out on patrol in the hours after the Super Bowl.
Target Zero consists of state troopers, deputies, and officers from local agencies. Their primary goal is to eradicate DUI deaths. Target Zero is part of Washington’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan, which has the goal of eliminating all traffic deaths by the year 2030. 45% of all traffic deaths are reportedly DUI related. It is Target Zero’s mission or at least how they managed to get lots of federal funding, to focus on changing this ongoing source of tragedy. News :: Edmonds Beacon News
Beyond the Super Bowl, Target Zero will be using computer mapping to situate officers where they are most needed. They will be analyzing data to determine where previous DUI fatalities and arrests have occurred, and locations that have a history of impaired drivers. Target Zero will also be using WSP aircraft complete with infrared technology. Citizens are encouraged to call in reports of impaired drivers, and will be patched through to the aircraft pilot to better monitor the pilot until help on the ground comes.
Officers urge Super Bowl fans to use designated drivers or to call 911. You are allowed in this instance, by the way, to use your cell phone while driving for this purpose.
This was Target Zero’s first Super Bowl effort. Last year in 2010, 19 people were arrested by Washington State Patrol post Super Bowl.