Bainbridge police will join other law enforcement agencies across Kitsap Coiunty for “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” patrols over the next few weeks.

The stepped-up enforcement effort starts Friday, Aug. 18 and runs through Monday, Sept. 4.

Officials note that summers are the deadliest season of the year in Washington. Each summer, an average of 149 people die in traffic crashes.

Last year alone, impaired drivers were involved in crashes that resulted in 277 deaths and another 371 serious injuries.

The extra DUI patrols are happening not only in Kitsap County, but statewide, as well, as officers will be looking for drunk or drugged drivers.

In Kitsap County, the Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Naval Base Kitsap, Port Orchard, Poulsbo and Suquamish police departments, the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol will be canvassing the roadways in search of impaired drivers.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is designed to encourage all drivers to make the right choice, officials said: Designate a sober, drug-free driver, take a cab, catch a ride share, Uber, Lyft or walk with a friend.