Law enforcement agencies in Clallam County are working together to conduct traffic safety enforcement patrols during the holiday season.

The special patrols focus on impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and non-use of seat belts, Clallam County Sheriff’s Office officials said this week.

The patrols are funded by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission as part of Washington State’s “Target Zero Program.” The goal of that program is to have no traffic deaths in Washington by the year 2030.

According to local law enforcement officials, Washington has some of the toughest impaired driving laws in the United States. The fine for a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs may cost up to $5,000 for a first offense.

Penalties include jail time, lawyer fees, suspension or revocation of one’s driver’s license, fines, court costs, an increase in auto insurance, mandatory attendance at Traffic School and the DUI Victims Panel, impound fees and attendance at an alcohol/drug information school or substance abuse treatment program.

A DUI conviction also may include emergency response costs, electronic home monitoring, vehicle towing and storage fees. Legal penalties also may include having installation of an ignition interlock unit being placed on any vehicle one drives.

Officials urge those who become impaired to call a taxi, have a sober designated driver, have only one drink per hour, to eat food to slow down the absorption rate of alcohol or stay at a friend’s house or a hotel if too intoxicated to drive.