Sheriff Clarke launches annual "Operation Safe Drive" ahead of holiday travel

MILWAUKEE -- Motorists can expect more patrols on the freeways this holiday season. Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke on Tuesday, November 20th announced the launch of the annual “Operation Safe Drive" program.

Operation Safe Drive is a program that will place more deputy squad cars on the freeway system during the four-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Goals of the program include deterring traffic violations and keeping Thanksgiving travelers safe.

AAA reports about 784,000  Wisconsin residents will travel over Thanksgiving weekend. Sheriff Clarke says 183 deputies will stagger their schedules during Thanksgiving weekend, with a high concentration of deputies out on Wednesday and Sunday, when traffic volume is expected to peak.

Sheriff Clarke says drivers should focus on driving the speed limit, not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, wearing their seat belts, not texting while driving and avoiding senseless road rage.

"If a motorist is trying to enter the freeway from a freeway ramp, ease off the accelerator and let them in. If a jerk cuts you off, let it go rather than laying on the horn. Remember, the horn is a warning device, not a signal to display your anger," Sheriff Clarke said.