Extra eyes are out on the roads and the water tonight, working to keep tragedy out of this Memorial Day weekend.
Experts say this three-day holiday weekend is the unofficial start to the summer season, and when traffic deaths see a spike.
The National Safety Council estimates that, nationwide, 439 Americans will be killed on the roads before this Memorial Day weekend is over. That's the highest figure since 2009.
But here, in Wisconsin, staying safe behind the wheel isn't limited to cars and trucks.
State Patrol Troopers know all-too-well how busy this weekend can get. Sgt. Luke Newman says severe weather has only added to their workload.
"On Friday, we did have a slight washout on the 441 project, and then also a crash on I-41," says Sg.t Luke Newman, "Brandon had their tornado go through. We were out there for a while as well."
But the rain is also making it easier for some to stay inside, and drink.
"The outdoor events kind of get moved inside, so then people are inside," says Newman, "and they're... consuming alcohol, [and] Just hanging out."
The region is already tackling the issue of drunken driving, which recently saw a new record set in brown county. Last week, the county's OWI task force made a record 12 arrests in just 5 hours.
Newman says they're urging drivers to play it safe this weekend.
"Think about how they're going to get home before they go," says Newman. "Remember that there's always cabs, or people, or friends, or family that will be glad to come get you."
Meanwhile, near the mouth of the Fox River, "[there's] going to be a lot more boaters on the water," says Chief Petty Officer Austin Olmstead. "Keep an eye out for each other."
Olmstead says dredging projects are making boating tricky this weekend, "almost like a construction zone on the highway."
Olmstead is reminding boaters, while an open container might be allowed on board, the driver needs to remain under the legal limit.
"Water can be just as dangerous as driving down the highway if you've been drinking alcohol," adds Olmstead.
But boating safety is more than honoring a legal limit.
The Coast Guard is also making sure boaters are bringing enough life jackets, and making sure kids 12 and under remain in them.
"Set the good example for the kids," adds Olmstead.
OWI patrols on Wisconsin's roads will continue tonight, well into tomorrow, which police say is arguably the busiest day for travel, and crashes, this holiday weekend.
