As usual, state and local police will ramp up its DUI patrols on South Whidbey and across the state over the holidays.

According to a news release, the Washington State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies will coordinate in an effort to catch impaired drivers. Motorists can expect to see an increased presence beginning Dec. 15 and running through Jan. 1.

The state patrol says the effort will target impaired drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The additional patrols are part of the effort to decrease the amount of people who die in crashes caused by impaired driving. In the long run, the state patrol is aiming to reach zero fatal crashes by 2030.

The press release says at least 40 people die in traffic crashes involving drivers under the influence every December. The number went from 78 fatalities in 2011 to 146 in 2015.