NEW MEXICO - Law enforcement across the state will be out in full force over St. Patrick’s Day weekend to crack down on drunk driving. State Police and law enforcement agencies statewide will be conducting increased saturation patrols and DWI checkpoints in an effort to catch drunk drivers.Law enforcement across the state will be out in full force over St. Patrick’s Day weekend to crack down on drunk driving. State Police and law enforcement agencies statewide will be conducting increased saturation patrols and DWI checkpoints in an effort to catch drunk drivers.

Drivers are encouraged to celebrate responsibly by having a plan which must include a safe ride home.“Designated drivers and ride-sharing programs are a great option compared to incarceration or death,” said StatePolice Captain Isaac Valerio. “New Mexico State Police will be on the roads looking for drunk drivers to keepour communities safe. If you are caught drunk, you will be arrested. If you drink, don't drive."

In 2018, 113 people were killed in an alcohol-involved crashes in New Mexico. While this was a 23 percent reduction in alcohol involved fatalities compared to 2017, there is still lots of work to do to eliminate drunk driving in New Mexico. “The Department of Transportation is committed to educating the public and supporting our law enforcement partners. We can’t do this alone; it takes everyone to end DWI,” said NMDOT Secretary Michael Sandoval.

This week, NMDOT also launched a new TV ad campaign encouraging New Mexicans to stop others from getting behind the wheel if they have been drinking. The new ad is called “Truth or Consequences” and can be viewed online.