The New Mexico State Police began this summer's "100 Days and Nights of Summer" traffic safety campaign on Friday in District 9 which includes District 9 Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Roosevelt and Quay counties, according to a press release.

The campaign is targeting drunk drivers and within the local area the State Police have implemented a team to focus on DWI enforcement, the release said.

Officers wil conduct 10 sobriety checkpoints, three Saturation Patrols, and three Speed/Occupant Restraint projects throughout the district, the release stated.

Alcohol use and sales to minors will also be a focus.
 
The summer months are typically the deadliest time on New Mexico roadways.

Last year, traffic crashes claimed 94 lives during June, July, and August satewide. Alcohol played a role in 45 of those fatalities, the release said.

In 2009, State Police has investigated six fatal crashes: two in Guadalupe  County, one in Curry County, two in Roosevelt County and one in Torrance County.

Alcohol was present in two of the fatal crashes that occurred this year in Curry and Roosevelt Counties.

The State Police has investigated alcohol related crashes in the following counties: Two in Curry County, nine in Guadalupe County, four in Quay County and four in Roosevelt County, the release said.

State Police state they are attentive to the concern that alcohol related incidents and crashes will increase during the summer months, the release said.

 In Guadalupe County, 7 of the 9 alcohol related crashes occurred during April and May.