ACADIANA — Expect to see increased police patrols this New Year's Eve if you plan on being out on the roads. The holiday tends to see an increase in drunk driving related incidents.
Last year on New Year's Eve, 74 people were injured and two were killed because of drunk driving. It's something that concerns law enforcement during the holidays.
"I think the most frustrating thing about all drunk driving related fatalities is they are 100 percent preventable," says St. Martinville Police Spokesman Adam Touchet.
Touchet says it's okay to have fun but "when you're going out, it's not that we don't want you to celebrate, we want you to celebrate, have a good time tonight but be smart, be safe, don't drink."
While it is unlikely that people will not drink, police encourage them to have a plan in place before starting their celebrations. Options are available for impaired driving, including taxi or ride-share services, calling a friend or neighbor, or staying put if possible.
A zero tolerance policy is being enforced nationwide and Touchet says the reward is not worth the risk.
"We want to see you alive, we want to see you safe, we definitely don't want you to become the first deadly statistic of 2020."
