On Friday night Meriden Police will be setting up DUI checkpoints throughout the city and putting on extra patrols over the weekend in an effort to get intoxicated and distracted drivers out from behind the wheel.
The effort is funded by an annual state grant that's had good results in Meriden, said Lt. Tom Cossette, head of the accident reconstruction unit for the Meriden Police.
Over the last year, officers have arrested 14 intoxicated drivers, and three so far just this holiday season, Cossette said. Overall, in the last year there seems to have been a decrease in intoxicated driving, he said.
"We didn't have any serious or fatal accidents," Cossette said. "What we're seeing is a lot more designated drivers."
Cossette urges those who drink not to drive or to use a designated driver.
The roving weekend patrols will also be looking for drivers talking on their cell phones while operating their cars and those not wearing seatbelts.
Police will also set up checkpoints and roving patrols over New Year's weekend, Cossette said.
