Wisconsin law enforcement will be out in force New Years eve

Mel Kwatowski told 22News that they will have extra police officers assigned specifically to patrolling for drunk drivers on both New Year’s Eve and the next day.

“Drunk driving is a choice some people make that inevitably gets people hurt or killed”, said Col. Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.

“Designate a sober driver or very simply, you pull out your cell phone, you tap a button and you have a ride that is safe and reliable”, said Matt Powers, a spokesperson for Uber Connecticut.

“We want folks to be out there having a good time, but also be mindful that it’s important that they’re safe and they protect the safety of others and so they can dial a ride, literally!”

“Have a designated driver, call a cab or stay with a friend”, said Cheryl Parker, a spokesperson for AAA. “You go to a bar and you’re driving more drunk and unfortunately, some people will continue to drive drunk and cause catastrophic injuries to people”. Alcohol impairs judgment, as well as reaction time. The cost of a DUI can total more than $10,000 on average and result in the loss of a driver’s license and jail time. If you’re impaired you’re more likely to choose to drive drunk.

In addition to reminding all drivers to drive sober, Sheriff Long is calling on everyone to be alert. If you see a unsafe driver call immediately! If someone you know is about to drive after drinking, take their keys and help them get home safely. Remember, driving after drinking should never be an option.

It’s part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which aims to cut down on accidents and deaths during the holidays.

Tennessee begins its “no refusal” enforcement for the holiday as well. The following schedule of operations, dates, and locations are provided for broadcast. The increased enforcement ends Sunday, January 3 at midnight. Police say they are actively searching for impaired drivers.