Jefferson City police crack down on drinking and driving Thanksgiving weekend

Extra officers are out on patrol Wednesday night for what police call one of the biggest drinking nights of the year in Jefferson City.

The Jefferson City Police Department makes more Driving While Intoxicated arrests than usual on the night before Thanksgiving, according to Sgt. Doug Ruediger.

“Historically, this night is always lended itself to a large amount of people out drinking and partaking, probably cause of the four-day weekend that’s upon us,” Ruediger said. “So a lot of people go out and a lot of people still make that bad choice, and it is a choice, to get in a car when they’ve been drinking or into a car with someone that has been drinking.”

Ruediger said he hoped the increased patrol cars on the roads would make people think twice about getting behind the wheel after drinking.

Additional officers were also on staff throughout the day to watch out for hazardous driving violations including seat belt violations.

Ruediger said police will focus on high traffic areas like major highways and the downtown area throughout the holiday weekend.

And on Black Friday, JCPD will patrol shopping areas and be on the lookout for road rage or any aggressive driving behaviors.