COEUR d'ALENE - The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office reported a high number of alcohol and drug-related arrests over the weekend.

The county's jail bureau booked 55 people who were arrested by law enforcement agencies throughout Kootenai County between Friday evening to Monday morning.

Fifteen people were arrested for driving under the influence and nine other arrests involved alcohol and drug use.

Along with other law enforcement agencies, the sheriff's office is currently participating in holiday traffic emphasis patrols in an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and fatalities.

"It's that time of year, with holiday parties and festive occasions that many people will be drinking," said Lt. Stu Miller in a press release Monday. "If you are celebrating with alcohol this holiday season, the sheriff's office asks that you do so responsibly."

Nationally, more than 10,000 people die in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, according to Miller. In 2013 there were 1,425 impaired driving crashes reported in Idaho. Of those incidents, 96 people lost their lives and 228 were seriously injured.

"The KCSO urges drivers to plan ahead and designate a sober driver," Miller said. "If you plan on drinking at all, don't plan on driving. We hope you and yours have a safe and enjoyable holiday season."