Friday, December 28, 2012--5p.m.
MADISON--The Dane County Sheriff's Office is putting potential drunk drivers on notice:"For many years and for many previous generations drinking and driving was an acceptable practice, but not anymore," said Sheriff David Mahoney.

They'll be placing extra officers on the roads this weekend and over the holiday. "With OWI enforcement teams whose sole responsibility will be to look for drunk drivers and arrest them," said Sheriff Mahoney.

And a reminder: if you're caught driving drunk, it won't be cheap.
"Even wothout being involved in a crash, the fine alone for first offense drunk driving exceeds $800," he said.

That's why Sheriff Mahoney is encouraging you to take advantage of the free alternatives to driving yourself this New Year's. "The Miller free rides will again be offered on 20 Madison Metro transit routes from 7p.m. till 3:30a.m. on New Year's Eve," he said.

Another option: use the Safe Ride program. "It's just the right thing to do if you've had too much to drink," said the president of the Madison/Dane County Tavern League, Eric Christenson.

At participating Madison/Dane County Tavern League establishments all you have to do is tell the bartender that you've had too much to drink. "Request a safe ride certificate and we'll have a free ride home from one of the Madison area taxis or from a volunteer driver," said Christenson.