Target Zero

Washington lawmakers are considering a 0.05 BAC limit to prevent impaired driving deaths. The science shows impairment starts earlier than many think.

Reducing the legal blood alcohol threshold in Washington state from 0.08 to 0.05 BAC will save lives Last month, I spoke before the Washington Senate Transportation Committee in support of a proposed law to lower the per se blood alcohol limit for driving from 0.08 to 0.05

What does the evidence say about lowering Washington’s BAC limit? An Everett Herald editorial reviews research, survey results, and outcomes from other states that point to 0.05 percent as a safer standard for drivers.

Editorial: Numbers, results back lower BAC for Washington | HeraldNet.com Utah’s experience backs Sen. John Lovick’s bill to lower the blood alcohol limit for drivers to 0.05.

Research shows impairment begins well below the current legal limit. That’s why officials are calling for a 0.05 BAC standard to help keep more people safe on Washington’s roads.

Why Washington’s Traffic Safety Commission wants the drinking limit lowered to 0.05 Here’s the deal: You’ve probably heard that the criminal “legal limit” for driving is a blood alcohol content of 0.08%, right?

Did you know many countries already use a 0.05 BAC limit? Lawmakers say it’s time for Washington to follow the science to keep roads safer.

Washington State Legislators Eye Lower Blood Alcohol Content Limit Washington State lawmakers renew efforts to lower BAC limit to 0.05, aiming to curb fatal crashes and reflecting increased public backing.

Want to join a great team and do work that saves lives? WTSC currently has an opening for a Program Specialist 5. This position will support the Impaired Driving Team, managing a portfolio of state and federal grant funded projects. If you’re interested in helping, make Washington’s roadways the safest in the nation, check out the posting and apply today.

State of Washington Job Opportunities | Work that Matters Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, making highways safer or restoring salmon habitat, the work that we do matters to the people of Washington State.

TCSO is proud to partner with the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission by establishing a full-time DUI Enforcement Deputy for Thurston County. This dedicated position will strengthen our efforts to keep impaired drivers off the road and make our community safer for everyone.

Together, we’re committed to reducing crashes, saving lives, and promoting responsible choices on our roadways.

Target Zero

Get in the Driver’s Seat with the You in the Driver Seat App!
Take control of your driving journey with this free app! It’s designed to help young drivers (16-25) build safe driving habits, track progress, and earn rewards while learning.

What’s in the app?
📊 Track your driving skills
🎯 Set and hit goals
🏆 Earn rewards and prizes

New drivers need more than a license; they need a game plan. Talk to your teen to help them make smart choices behind the wheel. 🪪✔️

🚗💡 Teens in the Driver Seat is a peer-to-peer program that empowers high school students to lead the conversation on safe driving. Who better to reach teens than other teens? In schools across the country, students are tackling distracted driving, seat belt use, nighttime risks, speeding, and more. t-driver.com
Together, they shift culture, increase awareness, and save lives. Want to bring it to your school? Learn more (and enroll) at t-driver.com.


Teens in the Driver Seat

This week is Teen Driver Safety Week. We’re celebrating safe driving habits that make a difference.

✨ Most teens buckle up every time.
📵 Most keep their phones down and eyes on the road
🕒 Most know that driving late or with distractions isn’t worth the risk

Join the majority of teens who are driving smart, staying focused, and keeping friends safe!

Keeping kids safe on every ride starts with the right seat. Washington law requires:

✅ Rear-facing until age 2
✅ Harnessed car seat ages 2–4
✅ Booster until 4’9” tall
✅ Back seat until 13 when practical

Parents are encouraged to delay moving to the next stage as long as possible—it’s the safest choice.

Learn more at wacarseats.com