waspA potential tragedy was avoided when two motorists teamed up and helped get an impaired driver off the road. On May 15, Kathy Cruz was driving along I-90, when she observed what she thought was an impaired driver. She watched as the suspected impaired driver swerved across all three lanes from shoulder to shoulder as he ascended Snoqualmie Pass from Highway 18. Kathy called 911 to report the vehicle and stayed behind the vehicle while Troopers responded to contact the vehicle. Kathy used her emergency flashers to warn other motorists of the dangerous impaired driver in front of her. This got the attention of David McDaniel, an off duty fire department Battalion Chief. He also called 911 and joined Kathy in warning other vehicles. The pair stayed behind the erratic vehicle, providing updates on location to responding Troopers. With the help of Kathy and David the impaired driver was arrested and removed from the highway just prior to the vehicle reaching an active construction work zone. Their actions that date helped make the roads of Washington safe for all to travel.

If you see erratic driving and you believe it is an impaired driver, it is an emergency, and 911 is appropriate.