Staying safe during New Years

As Austinities gear up to ring in the New Year this weekend, state and local law enforcement officers say they'll be on the lookout for anyone who gets behind the wheel while impaired.

The Austin Police Department is preparing for an increase in calls this weekend.

Officers also expect even more foot traffic in areas including downtown Austin’s Sixth Street.

Bar Director Matty Napolillli said it may be a New Year but it’s not "a new game" when it comes to the crowds they service year in and year out. "We have the weekenders who come every weekend and New Year’s crowd that comes out during amateur hour. People who come out who don't really enjoy the nightlife so they come out and their not professional drinkers," said Napolilli.

He said he wants to see people ring in the New Year safely and that's he's seen an increase in police presence during the past few years. "They have to have their presence known or otherwise it will be the wild wild west," said Napolilli.

Napolilli said they’ve taken steps to ensure people get home safely by partnering with Ride Austin. "If we see people who are over intoxicated we will personally put them in cars home send them home on our dime," said Napolilli.

He hopes this will deter intoxicated party-goers from getting behind the wheel.

APD is also hitting the streets in full force. Along with keeping impaired drivers off the roads they've recently put more importance on "crowd safety."

"Certain positions that we normally have barricades at we are going to have vehicles there in a variety of forms just to make sure that cars can't drive through," said Troy Gay APD Assistant Chief.

The police department's extended "no refusal" initiative targeting drunk drivers will continue through 5:00 a.m. Sunday morning.  "If you're going out partying and going out to have a good time and drink to plan ahead,” said Gay.

The initiative gives officers extra resources when applying for search warrants to obtain blood samples from drivers suspected of being intoxicated and who refuse to provide a breath or blood sample.

Napolillli said at the end of the night it's all about staying safe and welcoming a new year. "Do you want to go home safe or do you want to go home behind bars or in an ambulance," said Napolilli.

Capital Metro is also offering free safe rides. For more information, click here.