By JoAnn Hellman

“Summertime and the driving is… scary,” to paraphrase an old song.

That’s because even before summer, Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, more traffic fatalities occur due to an increase in roadway travelers and drinking during summer get-togethers. The U.S. Department of Transportation cites the Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day holiday weekends as having some of the highest numbers of DUI crashes and fatalities.

While most DUIs involve alcohol, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports drugs other than alcohol, including prescription, over-the-counter and illegal drugs, are involved in the remaining percentage of DUI deaths. In Washington State that includes marijuana, which though legal for those 21 and older, still impairs driving abilities. Often these other drugs are used in combination with alcohol.

Driver impairment continues to be the most frequent factor contributing to traffic deaths in Washington State. And it’s holding steady since 2011 with over a third of all traffic deaths in our state involving an impaired driver, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. During the 100 deadly days of 2008 to 2013, that rose to nearly half of the 961 traffic fatalities in our state caused by alcohol or other drug impairment.

This year the Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County once again hopes to raise both awareness and funds during this dangerous season with KISS — Keep It a Safe Summer. The safety campaign kicks off May 22 with a series of awareness activities.

Returning KISS sponsors are: Farmers Insurance/Voit Agency, Harada Physical Therapy, HomePlace Special Care Center, Martin’s Auto Electric, Munros’ Driving Instruction, Oak Harbor Les Schwab Tire Center, State Farm/Landry Agency, Tradewinds Insurance and Whidbey Weekly.

All donations will be matched up to $5,000 by Island Thrift to benefit IDIPIC’s DUI and underage drinking prevention work in local schools and aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Since 2000 IDIPIC’s mission has been to deter driving under the influence and underage drinking in our communities through education and awareness. Now with over 70 dedicated volunteers, IDIPIC has done this by providing 445 impact panels in Oak Harbor, Freeland and NAS Whidbey Island reaching over 30,000 attendees. This has included offenders, driver’s education students and their parents, and military personnel. The panels are free to the general public.

IDIPIC also provides age-appropriate prevention classes for driver’s education, middle school and third grade students. The latter’s focus is on healthy and unhealthy drinks, trust and peer pressure, according to IDIPIC director JoAnn Hellmann.

As families get ready to kick off the summer and honor our military heroes this Memorial Day weekend, IDIPIC urges motorists to stay safe on the road during the 100 deadly days by:

•Planning a safe way home. Use a taxi or a designated driver who’s had NO alcohol or impairing drugs.

•Not driving at night unless you must. More than half of nighttime crashes occur 9 p.m. to midnight.

•Wearing a seatbelt. Seatbelt usage is one of the best ways to stay safe on our roadways.

•Slowing down. Respect all posted speed limits.

•Being aware. Pay attention to other drivers, avoid those driving erratically and report any unsafe driving.

You can also help others to not drive under the influence by being a responsible host. Offer non-alcohol alternatives, don’t let guests make their own drinks, stop serving alcohol at least an hour before the party ends and ensure your guests are safe to drive home.

For more information on IDIPIC, visit www.idipic.org.

JoAnn Hellman is the director of the Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County