'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' patrols return

KING COUNTY, Wash -- Authorities in King County are stepping up patrols to crack down on people driving under the influence.

The annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" patrols take place from Aug.16 through Sept. 2.

Extra officers will be looking for drivers under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs. Even though Washington legalized marijuana for adults 21 and older, it is still illegal and dangerous to drive while high. Studies show that marijuana-positive drivers are twice as likely to crash as other drivers.

Last year in King County, during the same time period, officers on routine extra patrols arrested 374 people for DUI. For all of 2012, in King County, 8,578 people were charged with DUI.

Authorities say the goal of these extra patrols is to keep you and your family safe during this vacation travel time. If you see a DUI, call 911. Remember, the safest thing is not to drive at all after drinking or using marijuana or other drugs.