North Sound troopers to conduct DUI emphasis patrols on 4/20

Drivers who hit the roads this weekend in Snohomish County will see more law enforcement officers patrolling.

The patrols coincide with 4/20 -- a day that is associated with celebrating the consumption of cannabis or the world’s unofficial pot holiday, which means more people may get high to mark the day.

Law enforcement will be looking for people who use weed and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

The Washington State Patrol said it is adding extra patrols and is warning drivers.

State Patrol said it has prepared by giving its mobile unit, which has been used for 10 years, a bit of a facelift.

The unit will be unveiled about 10 a.m. and will hit the road along with regular patrol cars to deal with people who get high and drive, officials said.

A law group that deals with personal injuries said numbers show that when the holiday lands on a Saturday, there are more collisions.

State Patrol said the last time 4/20 landed on Saturday it seemed the like the hours after a Super Bowl with people driving under the influence.

The agency said it hopes everyone will make plans to get to where they are going safely, so when they do celebrate the cannabis culture holiday, it can be done safely.

The emphasis patrol runs from 4 p.m. April 20 to 2 a.m. April 21. Other agencies like the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, Lynnwood Police Department, Mountlake Terrace Police Department and Everett Police Department will also be beefing up patrols.

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