ARLINGTON — More than 20 arrests were made locally during a recent emphasis to crack down on drunk drivers.

The Arlington Police Department reported 23 arrests in five night time patrols between Aug. 15 and Sept. 7. The patrols were part of the annual “Drive Hammered, Get Nailed” campaign, during which law enforcement agencies throughout the state conduct additional drunk driving patrols.

Local officers made four DUI arrests, as well as 19 other arrests, during those patrols. Arrests included speeding infractions (10), insurance infractions (two), aggressive/negligent driving infractions (two), vehicle license violations (one), warrant arrests (two) and suspended driver arrests (two).

In Snohomish County, 339 motorists were stopped and arrested for driving under the influence. Officers statewide arrested 2,818 drivers for DUIs during the recent campaign.

Other local agencies that participated in the emphasis were the Edmonds, Everett, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Mill Creek and Mountlake Terrace police departments, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol.

Funding for the Drive Hammered, Get Nailed campaign came from a Washington Traffic Safety Commission grant.

Impaired driving is the leading cause of traffic deaths in Washington, according to the commission. In 2008, impaired drivers were responsible for 251 of the 522 deaths on Washington roadways.

Drunk driving fatalities in 2008 were down 22 fatalities compared to the previous five-year average, however.

For more information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.