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The Washington State Patrol will conduct traffic safety emphasis patrols throughout the annual Water Follies in the Tri-Cities this weekend, bringing in troopers from Sunnyside, Yakima and Walla Walla.

The patrols will focus on speeding, DUI, aggressive driving and seat belt enforcement. Unmarked patrol cars and motorcycles will be used in congested areas to focus on traffic violations that contribute to collisions.

“Our primary goal is to prevent injury and fatality collisions,” said Lt. Jay Cabezuela of the Washington State Patrol.

 The additional troopers from Yakima and Sunnyside are needed because the boat-racing events draw thousands of spectators, Cabezuela said.

For more than 40 years, the Tri-Cities has hosted the Water Follies weekend on the Columbia River featuring the world’s fastest boats, on-the-water entertainment, fun shoreline activities and concessions.