The following is a press release by the Washington State Patrol:

On Friday, Nov. 23, the Washington State Patrol and multiple other police agencies will be kicking off the annual holiday season DUI Emphasis patrols.

As of Oct. 31, 2018, there have been 224 number of people killed in collisions investigated by WSP. In King County alone, there have been 41 people killed in collisions. Impairment from alcohol and/or drugs is believed to be a factor in many of these life taking collisions.

This holiday season the WSP in conjunction with local police agencies are dedicated to increasing DUI patrols in an effort to make our roadways safer, remove impaired drivers, and do our best to ensure families stay safe.

The WSP recognizes that the holidays are a time of celebrations, parties, and family get togethers. The focus of the increased patrols is to remove impaired drivers and reduce/deter collision causing driving behaviors by increasing the number of officers on our roads.

Troopers urges everyone who is joining in the festivities to do so responsibly, and make great decisions. Whether you’re a driver or a passenger you need to decide to not drive impaired, or ride with an impaired driver. This vital decision can save yours, or someone else’s, life.