Law enforcement agencies are participating in extra patrols aimed at getting impaired drivers off the roads over this holiday season, now to Jan. 1.

In Kitsap County, the Bainbridge Island Police Department, Bremerton Police Department, Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, Naval Base Kitsap Security, Port Orchard Police Department, Poulsbo Police Department, Suquamish Police Department and the Washington State Patrol are teaming up and participating in the campaign with the support of the Kitsap County Traffic Safety Task Force and the Target Zero campaign.

As part of the holiday emphasis, the annual “Night of a Thousand Stars” will take place Dec. 16. Police officers, sheriff’s deputies and state troopers from law enforcement agencies in Kitsap County and across the state will conduct high-visibility enforcement patrols.

Historically, “Night of a Thousand Stars” has been a nationwide event with the “stars” represented by police officer and deputy sheriff badges patrolling streets and highways. Officers are looking for drivers impaired by alcohol, legal marijuana or other drugs.

“The Washington Traffic Safety Commission funds these extra patrols because we want every family to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones,” said Darrin Grondel, commission director. “Unfortunately, we are very aware that deadly traffic crashes can turn holiday dreams into nightmares.”

The commission is charged with examining every detail of every fatal crash. Statistics have shown recent increases in traffic deaths involving DUI, especially among drivers who test positive for two or more drugs, or both alcohol and drugs.

The commission is striving to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030. For more information, go to www.targetzero.com.