The holiday season is typically filled with celebrations and gatherings. One day that is commonly celebrated during the holiday season is New Year’s Eve. Many people celebrate it with get togethers, food, and drinks, including those containing alcohol. Unfortunately, driving while under the influence occurs on New Year’s Eve as well. Driving under the influence is incredibly dangerous and puts the safety of everyone on the roadways at risk. On New Year’s Eve, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department made 13 operating while under the influence arrests and responded to two crashes in which alcohol is believed to have been a factor.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office prepares in advance for New Year’s Eve because of the potential for drivers to be operating under the influence. One of the goals of the Sheriff’s Office is to ensure that people are able to get to and from their destinations safely. To help accomplish this goal, there are patrols on the roadways to ensure that drivers are adhering to all traffic laws and regulations. The patrols are also looking for those who are operating while under the influence. In 2019, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office also had the goal of keeping the roadways safe on New Year’s Eve and made 17 arrests for operating while under the influence. This year, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office made 13 arrests for operating while under the influence.

Operating while under the influence is incredibly dangerous. Alcohol can slow reaction time, reduce coordination, reduce concentration and inhibit judgment. All of these things contribute to the likelihood of being involved in a car accident. Car accidents can have serious consequences including property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. Because of the potential for serious consequences, it is imperative that drivers do not get behind the wheel after they have been drinking. By practicing safe driving, we can help to keep the roadways safer for everyone.