California Highway Patrol officers will join thousands of merrymakers on county roads and highways this holiday weekend, hoping to nab anyone foolish enough to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol reports the Ventura County Star.

“We’ll be out there in force starting at 6 p.m. Friday,” said Officer Matthew Winter of the CHP’s Ventura office.

Over the New Year’s holiday period a year ago, Ventura County had no fatal traffic accidents, alcohol-related or otherwise. Officers would like to keep it that way this year, so they’ll be trying to catch as many drunken drivers as possible.

“The more we apprehend, the fewer will be out there driving,” Winter said.

Officers from law enforcement agencies across Ventura County arrested 45 adults on suspicion of driving under the influence during the New Year’s holiday period a year ago. Over the five-day Christmas holiday this year, the CHP made 49 DUI arrests in the county, compared with 47 last year.

As in past New Year’s holidays, the Automobile Club of Southern California is offering free tows and rides home for drinking drivers. The “Tipsy Tow” service will be available from 6 p.m. Sunday through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.

Anyone — from a motorist to a bartender or passenger — can call (800) 400-4AAA for a free tow and ride home of up to 7 miles. Callers just need to tell the Auto Club operator that they need a “Tipsy Tow.” The service is only a one-way, one-time ride for the driver to his or her residence. Reservations are not accepted. Anyone needing a tow of more than 7 miles should expect to pay the going rate.

“We want motorists to be aware of the high crash risk from drinking and driving associated with holidays and encourage them not to get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking,” said Steve Bloch, the Auto Club’s traffic safety researcher. “It takes only one or two drinks to slow physical and mental skills and affect vision, steering, braking judgment and reaction time.”

Read it here: CHP to increase Patrols over Weekend and Holiday