Increased DUI patrols coming for holidays

OLYMPIA — Additional police officers will be out on patrol throughout the state, and in Clark County, from Wednesday through the end of the year to keep an eye out for impaired drivers, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

The agency’s records show more than 100 people are arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol daily between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day in Washington.

The Washington State Patrol and police departments in Battle Ground, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver and Washougal will have additional officers out on the road through the extra enforcement period.

Last year, impaired driving — which includes alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs and other substances that can impair driving such as over-the-counter cold or sleep medicines — killed 278 people and seriously injured 371 in Washington, the traffic commission said.

“The unfortunate truth is that there will be empty seats at family tables this holiday season due to loved ones killed by impaired drivers,” Darrin Grondel, director of the traffic safety commission, said in a news release. “We call upon all residents to plan ahead to prevent these tragedies by avoiding driving after drinking, or using marijuana and other drugs.”