The day before Thanksgiving has become a busy night for DWI officers and as a result the Albuquerque Police Department will be cracking down on drunk drivers.
The day before Thanksgiving has become a busy night for DWI officers and as a result the Albuquerque Police Department will be cracking down on drunk drivers.
Starting Wednesday night, about 15 extra Albuquerque police officers will be working overtime patrolling the streets through Sunday looking for drunk drivers. There will also be one checkpoint. APD will be using state grants to fund the special operation.
“If you plan on going out, please have a designated driver,” Albuquerque Public Safety Director Darren White said. “Ending your night in a jumpsuit at the Metropolitan Detention Center is nothing you will be thankful for.”
Police have noticed more people are drinking on Thanksgiving weekend. Last Thanksgiving weekend, 63 people were arrested in Bernalillo County on DWI charges. On Thanksgiving Day 2005, a drunk driver ran a red light at Lomas and Juan Tabo NE, hitting a taxi broadside and flipping it over. The cab driver and two passengers died.
This year, the New Mexico Hospitality and Retail Association will be sponsoring a program, “Pick Me Up and Take Me Home.” People can call (505) 242-7433 to get a free and safe ride home.
“We want people to have a good time and get home safe,” said Billy Baldwin, president of the association. “We are more than willing to put money into this program to help the police keep the streets safe.”
