MANITOWOC, WI -- Drivers, be warned: extra OWI patrols are out in full force, tonight, with the goal of keeping dangerous drunk drivers off the roads.
Near Lambeau Field, bars are packed with people--many just getting home tonight, for Thanksgiving.
And police say they're patrolling areas, like the Stadium District, ready to bust drunk drivers.
In Manitowoc, extra patrols have actually been out since Sunday.
Manitowoc police know all too well, "what's on our mind tonight is safety," says Capt. Larry Zimney.
Tonight--known by some as "Blackout Wednesday"--is one of their busiest nights for OWI arrests.
"A lot of college students come home," says Capt. Zimney, "it's a very big night for the taverns."
John Jagemann, owner of the Courthouse Pub in Manitowoc, agrees.
"Kids come home from college, families gather here," says Jagemann. "We'll end up with large, large groups of people."
It's adding to what Captain Zimney says is already a problem in Manitowoc County.
Working with the DOT, Manitowoc police are joining eight other agencies this holiday season in creating a High Visibility Education and Enforcement" task force.
Through social media blasts, and ad campaigns, officers are getting the word out ahead of increased patrolling.
"Tell the people: tonight's one of the nights we're going to have extra officers on the road," says Capt. Zimney.
They're also partnering with area bars, and pubs, to push alternatives to drunk driving.
"Coasters that say 'drive sober, or get pulled over,' things like that," says Capt. Zimney, "little reminders that say, 'hey! Know when to say when.'"
"We'd like to be attentive to it, and make sure they get home," says Jagemann, adding many establishments are willing to work with their patrons to get them home safe. "We'll take them home if we have to, [or] call a cab for them."
And they're getting results with the H-VEE campaign.
On Sunday, the DOT says a total of 18 officers in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties made 95 stops, resulting in 3 OWI's, 33 citations, and 120 warnings.
