DUI stories by the police asking please don't make the police your designated driver

State police are pleading with people with DUI trouble - don't make the police your designated driver. Officials have unleashed "Operation Santa," a program that aims to prevent injury and save lives by aggressively targeting drunken drivers. "We are trying to save lives and keep all of our roads and highways safe," said John Danaher III, state public safety commissioner. "Any amount of alcohol never mixes with driving a vehicle anywhere in our state." Lt. J. Paul Vance, spokesman for the state police, said they are planning roving patrols and increased surveillance throughout areas in Greenwich and Stamford on Interstate 95. However, there are no sobriety check points scheduled in town, according to a press release that lists all check-points from now until New Year's Day. Greenwich police said they do initiate check-points and increased patrols during the entire holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, on account of the higher frequency of incidents. The traffic section has not release any specific check-point areas planned this year. Operation Santa stands for "Stop Another Needless Tragic Accident," said Vance, who noted both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve traditionally show high numbers of drunken driving arrests and related accidents. "From what we've seen in the past, the numbers are pretty much consistent with both holidays," Vance said. Police said they believe drunken driving incidents are more prevalent during the holidays because there are many celebrations, such as house and office parties, that take place and often involve alcoholic beverages. State police are hoping residents chose designated drivers to avoid the fines, jail time, serious injury and death, that can result from a DUI or driving while under the influence, Vance said. Police also want motorists who see a drunken driver to report it, as well as to make sure everyone in their own car wears a seatbelt.