'Tis the season for holiday DUIs. The Washington State Patrol announced that they plan to step up DUI patrols every night from Thanksgiving through the New Year, reports Q13 Fox. So if you plan on celebrating the holiday season with a drink or two, it is important that you plan in advance for a designated driver or some way of getting home without having to drive drunk.

Generally, there are certain days of the year that are commonly associated with drunk driving. For example, more people tend to drink and drive during the holidays and on weekends. As a result, the Washington State Patrol and local police agencies tend to concentrate their efforts during these peak drinking times to combat DUIs.

By announcing in advance the increased daily DUI patrols, the State Patrol is hoping to deter drivers from driving drunk. On average, 49 people are killed every holiday season in Washington. However, with some simple steps, these tragedies (and DUI arrests) can be avoided:

• Have a designated driver ready
• Stick to a drink limit
• Take public transportation
• Program a taxi cab number into your phone
• Talk to your children about the dangers of driving drunk

Don't let a drunk driving arrest ruin your holiday season. If you have any questions about a drunk driving charge in the Seattle or King County areas, talk to a DUI attorney at Wolff Criminal Defense by calling 425-284-2000. Just because you have been charged with the crime, this does not mean you are guilty. An experienced attorney can help you review your options and possible defenses.