The Washington State Patrol released a reminder to Oktoberfest festival goers today to drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

The press release emphasized the Leavenworth Oktoberfest celebration, but it’s good advice for any of the Oktoberfests celebrated statewide.

Oktoberfest Northwest will take place at the Puyallup Fair and Events Center Friday thru Sunday, Oct. 5-7.

State Patrol recommends the following:

• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation, so you are sure to get home safely.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911 and report that driver.
• If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
• Always buckle up. Wearing your seat belt is the best defense against an impaired driver.