St. Patty's Day Weekend Drunk Driving Crackdown
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All 6 area OWI task forces will be looking for drunk driver's the holiday weekend. Video by nbc26.com
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Green Bay, WI --Officers throughout Northeast Wisconsin are gearing up for a very busy weekend. With St. Patrick's Day on Sunday, all six area OWI task forces will be out on the roads looking for drunk drivers.
The beer will be flowing at Green Bay's Saint Brendan's Inn.
"We've got 70 some barrels of Guinness to get through, so hopefully we'll get enough people out here for that," said bartender Zach Henderson.
Henderson says this will be the busiest weekend of the year for the Inn's Irish pub. It will also be one of the busiest for officers who are looking to crack down on drunk driving.
"it's right up there with New Year's Eve. It's right up there with the Super Bowl and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving," said Mike Panosh with the Wisconsin State Patrol.
When it comes to the dangers of excessive holiday drinking, the numbers don't lie.
"Last year, over the holiday nationwide, 126 people lost their lives as a result of drunk driving crashes."
That's why the task forces will be operating throughout the weekend, patrolling in entertainment districts and working to be as visible as possible. Advice for those looking to enjoy the holiday?
"Make a plan before you leave the house. Make a plan before you have that first drink."
"Come out, have a good time, but make a good decision."
In addition to the task forces, extra officers will be on patrol in both Green Bay and Appleton. They'll be focusing on drunk drivers, seat belt violations and speeding.
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