In an effort to ensure people’s safety around the Fourth of July, law enforcement agencies in Whitman County are conducting extra patrols in search of drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The annual campaign takes place this year from July 1 to July 13. The patrols are funded by a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and supported by the Spokane County Target Zero Task Force, which aims to reduce the number of traffic-related deaths to zero by 2030.

The task force has urged Washington residents to designate sober drivers, call sober friends and use taxis after using any substance – including marijuana – that might impair one’s ability to drive.

Local agencies participating in the campaign include the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington State Patrol and the WSU, Pullman and Colfax police departments.