Kitsap County law enforcement agencies will be looking for impaired drivers this weekend as part of the St. Patrick’s Day campaign, an overtime grant sponsored through the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

Participating agencies include the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, and police departments from the cities of Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Port Orchard and Poulsbo, with the Washington State Liquor Control Board.

Between 2005 and 2011, Washington state has had 53.8 percent of traffic deaths — equating to 21 out of 39 incidents — around St. Patrick’s Day involving an impaired driver, according to data from the Kitsap County Traffic Safety Task Force.

To have a safe St. Patrick’s Day, people are encouraged to plan a way to get home before festivities begin and to designate a sober driver. Also, calling 9-1-1 if an impaired driver is seen or taking the keys away from a driver who is about to drive while drunk, are easy steps to help prevent an incident from occurring.

More information is available by visiting the Washington Traffic Safety Commission at www.wtsc.wa.gov.