Seattle police ramp up patrols ahead of NYE festivities

Staying safe on New Year's Eve

Thousands are expected to swarm the Space Needle to get a front row seat for the annual drone and fireworks show.

SEATTLE - As Seattle prepares to ring in the new year with its iconic Space Needle fireworks and drone show, safety remains top of mind for officials and revelers alike. Thousands are expected to gather at the Seattle Center for the annual spectacular, as Seattle police prepare to ramp up DUI patrols across the city.

"When you think about New Year’s Eve, you almost think about two champagne flutes crossed," said Shelly Baldwin, director of the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission. "'Happy New Year’s Eve. We’re going to drink!'"

While clinking glasses is a hallmark of the holiday, Baldwin cautioned that it’s crucial to make responsible choices.

The expectation of increased alcohol consumption coincides with an increased demand for transportation services. To those who are frustrated by potential price-gouging from Uber and Lyft drivers throughout the downtown corridor, Baldwin says it's "15 or 30 bucks. If you get a DUI, that’s going to start you out at $10,000."

Fireworks behind the Space Needle in 2012. (David R. Irons Jr. Photography via Getty Images)

Baldwin shared that the commission has provided funding for extra patrols across Washington state, with the goal of preventing impaired driving.

"We provide overtime and funding so that there can be even more officers out than normal on these holidays," Baldwin said. "Not just in Seattle, but all over the state."

A total of 148 agencies across the state are participating in these enhanced patrols.

Looking at past data, Baldwin noted that impaired driving continues to be a major risk on New Year’s Eve. In 2023, nine people were killed on Washington state roadways on New Year's Eve alone. Data from the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission on holiday driving fatalities indicates that speeding was a factor in approximately 70% of cases, and in half of the cases, alcohol played a role.

"These are not numbers. These are our coworkers, our friends and our neighbors — people’s children," said Baldwin. "Drive out there like it’s your loved ones sharing the roads with you."

As the evening unfolds, King County Metro and other local transit options, including Sound Transit and the Seattle Streetcar, are providing free rides to help keep people safe.