Video: Report: Washington too easy on drunk drivers

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SEATTLE – Washington State is too easy on drunk drivers, according to a new federal report.

On average, 44,000 people are arrested each year for drinking and driving. But the National Transportation Safety Board says the state could be doing a lot better.

For one, the NTSB points out that Washington is only one of 11 states that doesn’t allow sobriety checkpoints. Advocates say that needs to change.

"DUI checkpoints have been a proven product by reducing fatalities by about 24 percent in many instances,” said Chief John Batiste, Washington State Patrol.

The last time DUI checkpoints were used in the state it was 1983 during the holiday season. Seattle police stopped 2,400 drivers and arrested 22 of them -- less than one percent.

DUI attorney Francisco Duarte says emphasis patrols catch more drunk drivers than checkpoints.

His idea is to stop people who are drinking from getting into a car in the first place. He thinks the state should adopt a zero tolerance on drinking and driving.

"And the best way to do that is to simply say, ‘Look. No one is permitted to drive a car after drinking alcohol because if you do, you've committed a crime’ and I guarantee you that will reduce the great number of DUI incidents,” said Duarte.

The group Mothers Against Drunk Driving says random checks do work and Washington is behind by not using them.

"The point is to deter drunk drivers so people know law enforcement will be out there. They're going to be thinking, ‘Let's designate a driver or take another form of transportation instead of driving impaired,’” said MADD President Laura Dean-Mooney.

In January, Gov. Chris Gregoire pitched legislation to bring back checkpoints. It didn't pass, but some lawmakers are determined to keep trying.

The federal report rated Washington as one of the 25 states that have failed to adopt many DUI recommendations. It says the worst offenders are Maryland and Wyoming.

Watch KING 5 TV, 10 p.m., Saturday

Jean Enersen profiles Northwest newsmakers Saturday, November 29, at 10 p.m. A Jean Enersen Special: Northwest Newsmakers, includes an interview with Gov. Christine Gregoire, as well as Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, and young Iraqi war victim “Humoody.”