The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WALLA WALLA - Washingtonians are preparing for summer fun. Celebrations that involve alcohol sometimes result in drunk drivers on our roads. So, after beach parties, barbeques, or an evening at the bar, don't drive if you have been drinking. If you drive hammered, you will get nailed!

Traffic deaths that involve a drunk and/ or drugged driver are highest during the summer months in Washington. From 2005 through 2009, more than 20 percent of all impaired driver-involved traffic deaths occurred during June and July. That is why extra DUI patrols will take place throughout Walla Walla County from June 24 through the 4th of July Holiday.

In Walla Walla County, DUI Patrols will be increased though a grant funded by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and supported by the Walla Walla County Traffic Safety Task Force.

Law enforcement officers statewide advise everyone to choose their ride carefully! Plan ahead - designate a sober driver, take a taxi because if you drive impaired, your ride may well be a police car taking you directly to jail!