The following is a press release from the Washington State Patrol.

Oct. 12 marked the 37th and 38th life lost on state routes and interstates in King County just this year and eight people have been killed in less than a week.

That is not only 38 lives lost, but 38 families forever changed as the result of the loss of a loved one.

Far too often, these tragedies are entirely preventable and caused by people that choose to drive impaired. Impaired drivers alone have killed six people over the course of just a few days.

One life lost is one too many and 38 is simply alarming.

“The Washington State Patrol (WSP) will continue its tireless work in trying to keep people safe by strictly enforcing those collision causing violations that are costing lives with impaired driving, speed and distracted driving topping the list,” said WSP Captain Ron Mead, Commander of District 2 which includes all of King County.

Through Sept. 30, 2,699 drivers have been arrested for DUI, an increase of 32 percent compared to the same time period in 2017 and a nearly 50 percent increase over the same time period in 2015.

“Clearly, we have a lot of work to do as demonstrated by the six people that have lost their lives this week due to impaired drivers. We cannot, however, do this alone. Impaired driving is a choice, and a choice that far too often leads to tragedy,” Mead said. “I implore the public to make good choices on both choosing not to drive impaired and choosing not to get into a vehicle with an impaired driver as you may save your own life.”

It is simply not good enough to warn people not to drive impaired, passengers have a choice to make as well.

As was demonstrated with the tragedy last weekend, four lives were lost where passengers chose to ride in a vehicle with an impaired driver.