Submitted by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends, which is why the Washington State Patrol and Washington Traffic Safety Commission are reminding everyone to make safe choices and drive sober. Impaired driving continues to be a leading contributor to fatal crashes in Washington. There are thousands of surviving family members in Washington who remember and mourn the loss of a loved one who will never take part in holiday gatherings again.

Ashley Bonus remembers her sister, Stacy Gammons-Ankerfelt, as an amazing teacher who put her whole heart and soul into her work and her students. Gammons-Ankerfelt was killed in July 2012 when she was on her way to pick up supplies for her students to use in the upcoming school year at Scenic Hill Elementary in Kent. “She ensured each and every student felt safe, loved and knew she was invested in their future,” Bonus recalled about Gammons-Ankerfelt, who was hit and killed by an impaired driver right in front of her own home.

“The holidays changed for my family the day Stacy was killed by an impaired driver. I carry her with me every day — not just in sadness, but with purpose. Stacy was truly changing the world with every life she touched. Please drive sober, so no other family has to face an empty seat or a lifetime of remembering someone the way we do,” Bonus said.

To help keep roads safe during this busy travel season, law enforcement agencies across the state will conduct extra DUI patrols from Dec. 12 through New Year’s Day.

“Stacy dedicated her life to helping students and supporting her community,” Chief John Batiste said. “Her loss underscores the devastating impact impaired driving has on families across our state. Our troopers work every day to prevent these tragedies, and we urge every driver to make safe, responsible choices.”

In 2024, there were 346 people killed in impaired driver-involved crashes in Washington. WSP and WTSC urge everyone to plan ahead for a sober ride home before drinking. Families should not have to experience the heartbreak of losing loved ones around the holidays due to a completely preventable tragedy.

“Safe roads rely on the choices each of us makes before we get behind the wheel,” said Shelly Baldwin, WTSC director. “Stacy’s story reminds us that impaired driving leaves lasting heartbreak for families and communities. Planning a sober ride takes only a moment, but it can prevent tragedies like the one her family still lives with today.”

Research shows that everyone is too impaired to drive safely with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05% or higher. At this level, drivers are twice as likely to be involved in a crash compared to those who are sober.

For more information on impaired driving and safety resources, visit https://www.togetherwegetthere.com/impaired-driving/.