BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Driving under the influence in Bellingham – and getting caught for it – is reaching a higher number compared to recent years.
The city has booked at least 420 people into jail for DUI traffic violations since the beginning of this year. That number is blowing recent years’ tallies out of the water.
2024 and 2023 saw steady increases as we climbed out of the COVID-19 pandemic, with tallies of 360 and 351 around this time respectively.
KGMI previously reported that an emphasis on patrols has contributed to the rise.
Bellingham Police Lt. Claudia Murphy says the arrest number is likely much higher as more serious offenses take priority in their booking system.
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) says they will be conducting emphasis patrols around Western Washington University on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 26.
It’s all part of their “No Tipsy Turkey” patrol. WSP wants drivers, especially college students, to be mindful as they head home for the holiday.
Along with the reminder to not drink and drive, WSP is reminding drivers how important it is to wear a seatbelt.
