Police in the Snoqualmie Valley are ramping up their DUI patrols over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Extra patrols are part of a region-wide traffic emphasis.

“Don’t press your luck this weekend. Make sure you and your friends get home safely,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver, ride the bus or take a cab.”

The Washington State Liquor Control Board also will visit local bars to educate employees about the extra DUI patrols and responsible service. Officers will hand out “Click 2 Ride” cards with information about taxi services that bars can share with patrons.

More than 40 percent of all traffic deaths involve an impaired driver in Washington state. Extra patrols are coordinated throughout the state by Target Zero Managers with support from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. This work is part of an ongoing partnership with law enforcement, public health and community partners to reach the Washington State Target Zero goal of eliminating all fatal and serious injury crashes by 2030.