photo by: Douglas County Sheriff's Office

A Douglas County Sheriff's Office vehicle is pictured in January 2022.

Douglas County sheriff’s deputies will take part in enhanced DUI patrols starting this weekend and running through Labor Day weekend.

The Sheriff’s Office along with several agencies in Kansas is participating in enforcement for the national impaired driving campaign. Historically, an increase in impaired driving and crashes is seen around the Labor Day holiday, the sheriff’s office said in a news release Friday.

“There are many exciting things happening this time of year with college and school starting and people looking to celebrate around Labor Day weekend. We encourage everyone to celebrate safely in avoiding distractions, and if you drink, don’t drive,” Sheriff Jay Armbrister said.

The enhanced patrols are as part of the “You Drink. You Drive. You Lose” campaign. When convicted for impaired driving, drivers face stiff penalties, including financial consequences – from fines, legal fees and lost time at work to jail time.

The campaign is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with safety funds administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation.