BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Washington state agency is instituting more patrols this holiday season in an effort to combat driving while under the influence.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission says that several agencies in our region will be participating in the increased patrols for the next few weeks.

Anacortes, Everson, Bellingham, Lynden and WWU Police Departments will join Whatcom and Skagit County Sheriff’s offices.

The agencies will conduct extra DUI patrols starting on Friday, Dec. 13, through New Year’s Day.

Last year, the campaign netted 17 DUI arrests in the final two weeks of the year.