Lawrence police are amping up patrols to catch impaired drivers and other traffic violations beginning Friday — which is April 20, aka 4/20, the day designated by pot smokers as an annual holiday.

In a news release about the upcoming saturation patrol, the Lawrence Police Department reminds motorists that DUI charges can result from driving under the influence of any drug, not just alcohol, and that DUI is risky and dangerous.

“Injury and deaths continue to increase from both alcohol and drugged impaired drivers,” the news release says. “Regardless whether a drug is legal or illegal it’s a serious crime to drive while impaired by any drug.”

Designate a sober driver, the news release reminds, and always buckle up.

The saturation patrol will run Friday through Sunday in Lawrence.

Lawrence police are joining other law enforcement agencies in similar efforts across Kansas and the region. “Law enforcement around the six-state area will be extra-vigilant when patrolling around city, state and federal highways,” the news release says.

— I’m the Journal-World’s public safety reporter. Reach me by email at sshepherd@ljworld.com or by phone at 785-832-7187. I’m also on Twitter, @saramarieshep.