New Years Eve is approaching and law enforcement is stepping up patrols

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The new year is almost here and that means ringing in 2016 with celebrations. But local law enforcement said they want you to celebrate responsibly and they're stepping up their patrols to keep you safe.

Many people are excited to ring in a new year and new start, but law enforcement wants you to start thinking of a safe ride home now before the celebrations start. Due to the increase in drunk-driving-related fatalities around the holidays, law enforcement agencies across the country will be out in force until January 3rd searching for drunk drivers.

As part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign, the Avoid the 21 DUI task force in Fresno and Madera Counties will be looking for drunk drivers and holding DUI/drivers license checkpoints. Officers said if you're drinking and driving, you will be arrested. The cost of a DUI can total more than $10,000 on average and result in the loss of a driver's license and jail time.

Law enforcement reminds everyone to plan ahead.

You can also report drunk drivers by calling 911.