Thanksgiving takes on a special meaning this year as the holiday Drive Hammered, Get Nailed campaign officially begins that day. Between Nov. 24 and Jan. 2, local law enforcement will conduct extra DUI patrols throughout King County to rid the roads of impaired drivers during the holiday season.

“We want this holiday season to be enjoyed by everyone. In Washington state, driver impairment continues to be the No. 1 factor contributing to traffic deaths. These preventable crashes can be eliminated if everyone works to become a part of the solution,” said Sgt. Sjolin of the Renton Police Department. “Plan ahead. Before you consume a single drink of alcohol have a plan for how you and the people you are with will get home safely. Please drive sober.”

The average blood-alcohol level of people arrested in Washington for DUI is about .14. That’s almost twice the legal limit of .08.

Especially at this time of year, law-enforcement officers statewide advise all holiday party-goers to designate a sober driver, take a taxi or choose not to drink alcohol.