The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Washington Police Department will be increasing efforts this weekend to keep citizens safe during St. Patrick’s Day.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, during the holiday there is a spike in drunk-driving crashes each year. Law enforcement across the state is having heightened traffic enforcement this weekend, especially watching for drunk drivers and occupants not wearing a seat belt. During the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day holiday, 39% of crash fatalities involved drunk drivers and from midnight to 6 a.m. on March 18th 69% of all crash fatalities involved drunk drivers. Have a plan before you go out and designate a safe way home whether that’s by taxi or a sober friend.