Drunk driving is something law enforcement is continually seeking to crack down on, and money is periodically put toward increased enforcement for this purpose.

The Columbian reports that the latest Washington DUI campaign resulted in 96 arrests for motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Clark County. Statewide, the campaign resulted in 1,824 arrests. Compared to last year's campaign, which was run around the same time, there was a significant decrease. Police arrested 110 in Clark County last year and 2,672 statewide.

The DUI campaign, entitled "Drive Hammered, Get Nailed, ran from August 19 through September 5. Police ran the campaign to combat the high number of alcohol-related accidents that typically take place this time of the year.

Agencies involved in the DUI campaign included the Clark County Sheriff's Office, Washington State Patrol, as well as the Battle Ground, Camas, Ridgefield and Vancouver police departments. Clark County Target Zero Traffic Safety Task Force assisted in holding extra patrols as well. Funding for the effort was provided by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, over 40 percent of DUI traffic deaths take place in Washington during the summertime. Though sources didn't indicate the reasons for this pattern, it is one that is fairly well known.

Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission also show that the number of DUI traffic deaths in 2010 fell by 16.5 percent in comparison to the prior five-year average. In terms of fatal DUI crashes in Clark County in 2010, there were 11.

Source: The Columbian, "Campaign busts 96 local drivers for DUI," September 11, 2011.