Extra DUI patrols begin Wednesday

GRANT, ADAMS COUNTIES - Extra law enforcement in Grant and Adams counties will be on the lookout for drivers under the influence during the holiday season.

From 2008-20012, an average of 49 people died in traffic crashes in the state between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Extra officers will be out between Nov. 27 and Jan. 1 looking for impaired drivers.

Driving under the influence is still the leading cause of traffic death in the state, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

The Ephrata, Mattawa, Moses Lake, Othello, Quincy, Ritzville, Royal City, Soap Lake and Warden police departments, Grant and Adams County deputies and the State Patrol are working toward zero traffic deaths by participating in this Holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

The Central Basin Traffic Safety Task Force organizes and supports this enforcement effort. Anyone who sees a suspected drunk driver on the roads is asked to call 911.

These and all extra patrols are part of Target Zero, striving to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in this state by 2030. For more information, go to www.targetzero.com.

Additional information on the Washington Traffic Safety Commission can be found at www.wtsc.wa.gov.