Troopers to be out in full force for Memorial Day weekend

RITZVILLE — The Washington State Patrol is planning extra patrols for the Memorial Day weekend.

District 4 troopers from Ritzville, Colfax and Spokane detachments will be looking for speeding, distracted driving and seat belt violations, as well as drunken driving and other violations.

"We will have zero tolerance for drivers who are stopped and are impaired," District 4 Cmdr. Capt. Jeff Otis said. "Our troopers will continue to do what it takes to remove these dangerous drivers from the roads."

In addition to encouraging motorists not to drink and drive, the patrol is asking travelers to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to get to a destination.

The patrol is also asking motorists to put away cell phones, tablets, laptops and other items that may district drivers.