Washington State Patrol Troopers and other law enforcement agencies will conduct extra DUI patrols across the state this holiday season, from Dec. 15 to Jan. 1, 2017.

The extra patrols will target impaired drivers that are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Every December in our state, at least 40 people die in traffic crashes, according to a press release from the WSP.

There is an increase in the number of fatal crashes involving drivers under the influence. The greatest increase involves drivers with a combination of alcohol and drugs or a combination of drugs. This number went from 78 fatalities in 2011 to 146 fatalities in 2015.

That’s an increase of 68 fatalities in five years.

The Washington State Patrol continues to strive to reach their “Target Zero” goal of zero traffic fatalities or serious injury collisions by the year 2030.

The additional patrols are funded by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.