Troopers are arresting more drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol with kids under 16 in the car, according to the Washington State Patrol.
District 8 troopers make 30 DUI arrests each year when minors are present, based on average data from 2007-2017. As of August, District 8 troopers had already hit that average.
The two most recent arrests were made Wednesday, according to Washington State Patrol Trooper Chelsea Hodgson. Both arrests were the result of traffic stops. One involved a five-year-old in Shelton and the other a 16-year-old in Elma.
District 8 includes Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pacific, and Wakiakum counties.
In addition to DUI charges, motorists caught driving with a minor in the vehicle could face additional charges of reckless endangerment for each minor passenger. Child Protective Services is also contacted, no matter the relationship is between the driver and minor passenger.
WSP is also asking for the public's help in finding DUI drivers. If you notice a driver with possible impairment, please call 911.