Spencer, IA (KICD)– The Iowa State Patrol is beefing up its presence on the roads this holiday season to help keep everyone safe as they travel from one place to another.

Trooper Kevin Krull tells KICD News the extra enforcement this time around began last week and will continue through the end of the year with the primary focus being on impaired drivers.

Trooper Krull says this time last year also had a large number of arrests for impaired driving.

As of Wednesday morning, 363 people have lost their lives on Iowa roads this year which is more than 40 above the five-year average.