No special patrols have been planned by local law enforcement agencies for Thursday night, as people ring in the New Year. But officers definitely will be watching for drunken drivers, and they’re asking for the public’s help to ensure the celebration is a safe one.

“Drivers under the influence are dangerous any time of year, but with New Year’s parties and other celebrations with family and friends, more instances of impaired driving are likely,” said Trooper Edna Buttler, Kansas Highway Patrol spokeswoman.

Lawrence police, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the highway patrol said they will have a normal number of officers on the streets Thursday night and Friday morning.

Douglas County sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Steve Lewis said deputies would be monitoring the roads and highways carefully. He also encouraged people to report drunken drivers to law enforcement promptly.

Sgt. Michael Monroe, Lawrence police spokesman, said people should consider using the DCCCA Inc.-sponsored Tipsy Taxi service, KU’s safe ride program, or any other safe alternative if they’re intoxicated.

“We would encourage everyone to have a safe and responsible New Year’s Eve,” said Monroe. “We would advise people who will be attending a New Year’s Eve function and chose to consume alcohol to have a plan for how they are going to get home before they start their evening.”