Local law enforcement officials are looking for impaired drivers.

According to Sgt. Ken Lattin of the Kennewick Police Department, starting June 21 extra DUI emphasis patrols will be out on the road of the Mid-Columbia, keeping an eye out for impaired motorists. All local, regional and state law enforcement officers will be participating.

According to state data, during the calendar period from Memorial Day through Labor Day for the years 2007-2012, some 27 drivers have died in accidents in Benton and Franklin Counties. Lattin says impaired or drunk drivers were involved in 44 percent of those crashes. 33 percent involved speeding drivers, and 22 percent of those who died were teenagers.

During a similar sweep one year ago, 74 drivers in Benton-Franklin Counties were arrested for DUI. The effort is part of the ongoing Target Zero program through the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission. They hope to reduce fatalities and DUI arrests to zero by the year 2030.

More From 870 AM KFLD