Police officers will perform extra DUI patrols on Kitsap County roadways between Aug. 14 and Sept. 7 in search of impaired drivers.

The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol and Bainbridge Island, Bremerton and Poulsbo police departments are participating in this summer’s Drive Hammered, Get Nailed enforcement campaign with the support of the Kitsap County Traffic Safety Task Force.

Drug Recognition Experts are specially trained law enforcement officers who are able to identify drivers who are under the influence of illegal, prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Between 1998 and 2007, drug-involved traffic deaths increased by 150 percent. During this time, the number of deceased drivers tested for drugs increased by 60 percent.

Impaired driving is the leading cause of traffic deaths in Washington. Last year, impaired drivers contributed to the deaths of nearly half of the 522 people who died on state roadways.

Nationally, there were almost 13,000 people killed by impaired drivers in 2007, an average of one person being killed every 40 minutes in the U.S.

For more information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.