Extra DUI patrols will be out in Kent and across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties this Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Thirty-three law enforcement agencies, including the Kent Police and the Washington State Liquor Control Board and the Washington State Patrol have scheduled extra DUI officers and troopers to remove dangerous drivers from the road, according to a Public Health – Seattle & King County media release. Law enforcement also will be visiting bars to ensure responsible service.

“We see too many crashes involving impaired drivers who did not plan a safe ride home,” said Chief John Cheesman, chairman of the Tacoma Pierce County DUI and Traffic Safety Task Force. “If you know someone who plans to party with booze to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, ask them how they are getting home safely.”

Latino community leaders from the Consulado de Mexico en Seattle, El Centro de la Raza, SeaMar Community Health Centers, and Consejo Counseling & Referral are joining Public Health – Seattle & King County and Target Zero Teams to support this traffic safety effort.

“Please celebrate this Cinco de Mayo with enthusiasm and responsibility,” said Consul Alejandro Garcia-Moreno of the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle.

Target Zero Teams provide extra DUI enforcement patrols to support Washington State’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan, which calls for zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries by the year 2030. Target Zero Teams funding is provided through a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

Participating law enforcement agencies:

King County: Auburn, Bellevue, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Newcastle, Renton, Redmond, Seattle, Snoqualmie, Washington State Liquor Control Board, Washington State Patrol.

Pierce County: Fife, Fircrest, Lakewood, Pierce County Sheriff, Puyallup, Sumner, Tacoma, University Place, Washington State Patrol.

Snohomish County: Arlington, Brier, Edmonds, Everett, Granite Falls, Lake Stevens,  Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Monroe, Mukilteo, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Tulalip, Washington State Patrol.