The King County and Pierce County Target Zero Task Forces have announced they are deploying enforcement patrols from Dec. 15-16 to look for motorists who are driving under the influence.

These patrols will be active throughout King and Pierce counties and are part of the annual “Night of 1,000 Stars” campaign, which represents the 1,000 badges across Washington who are working to keep impaired drivers off the state’s roadways, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

In addition to the emphasis patrols, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board is conducting bar and restaurant checks to educate servers and employees on the dangers of over-service.

The Target Zero Task Forces in King and Pierce counties say safety remains a priority, and this multi-pronged approach is designed to educate motorists about the dangers of driving under the influence while also providing them with resources to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

“We know that the vast majority of Washingtonians choose not to drive when impaired, and we want to thank them for continuing to make the right choice,” said Sara Wood, Target Zero Manager, South King County. “The goal of this campaign is to remind all people in Washington that there are simple things they can do to prevent impaired driving like planning ahead for a sober ride home if they will be out drinking alcohol or using cannabis.”

The King and Pierce County Target Zero Task Forces also encourage motorists to call 911 and report someone who is driving impaired, or if they observe someone swerving in and out of their lane and driving erratically. This can include speeding, braking suddenly or inappropriately, or making wide turns.

Those arrested for DUI can expect fines of at least $10,000 and will also have to pay attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing and repairs, and more.