Police on the lookout for drunk drivers this holiday, in effort to save lives: "Drunk drivers kill people"

HALES CORNERS/BROWN DEER -- It could ruin your holiday -- or worse. Law enforcement agencies across southeastern Wisconsin are stepping up patrols in an effort to prevent drunk driving this Christmas. Officers will be logging more hours from now until the New Year.

Sgt. Douglas Sayeg with the Hales Corners Police Department

 

"Drunk drivers do kill people -- and that is why we are out here," Sgt. Douglas Sayeg with the Hales Corners Police Department said.

Drinking and driving affects families every year in southeastern Wisconsin.

"Hopefully try to prevent any kind fatalities involving drunk driving," Sgt. Sayeg said.

Sgt. Sayeg has been patrolling Hales Corners for a decade.

More than 30 departments are part of the Southeast Wisconsin OWI Task Force -- taking part in this OWI enforcement -- part of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

The Milwaukee Police Department had an OWI patrol roll call last weekend.

Milwaukee Police Department OWI roll call

Sgt. Sayeg says he'd much rather work to prevent people from driving drunk, than deal with the alternative.

"Every day between the 18th and January 3rd we specifically target drunk drivers and seat belt violations," Sgt. Sayeg said.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign

Sgt. Luke Kuehne and the Brown Deer Police Department are on the same mission.

"More officers working longer hours," Sgt. Kuehne said.

These OWI patrols don't just target drunk drivers.

"Whether it be alcohol or street drugs, prescription drugs -- any form of impaired driving," Sgt. Kuehne said.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign

Sgt. Kuehne says the best way to celebrate the holidays is with the entire family. He says it would be a shame to miss it and be stuck in jail -- or worse.

"If you're going to be drinking, stay at home, stay with the family or stay over at the friend's house so you are not making a bad decision," Sgt. Kuehne said.

This is a zero tolerance initiative.

The Southeast Wisconsin OWI Task Force was responsible for 300 impaired driving arrests in southeastern Wisconsin last year alone.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

CLICK HERE to download the Wisconsin DOT's "Drive Sober" app for Android.

CLICK HERE to download the Wisconsin DOT's "Drive Sober" app for iPhone.