Planning ahead is crucial to avoid a drunken driving arrest on New Year’s Eve, according to police.

“Have another driver who isn’t drinking drive,” said Albert Lea Deputy Director of Police J.D. Carlson.

Carlson advised against driving if buzzed and said law enforcement will direct efforts to crack down on drivers who are intoxicated.

Carlson said New Year’s Eve is usually a mild night for law enforcement and credited media attention to the issue.

An enhanced campaign to curb intoxicated drivers began last month and lasts through Saturday. The campaign is a component of the state’s Toward Zero Deaths program, meant to eliminate road deaths by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. Law enforcement officers from more than 300 agencies across the state are participating.

According to an Albert Lea Police Department press release, the percentage of drunken-driving related deaths compared with total traffic fatalities is lower on New Year’s Day than it is for other holidays.

• New Year’s Day: 12.5 percent

• Thanksgiving: 53.8 percent

• Christmas: 46.2 percent

• Fourth of July: 40 percent

• Memorial Day: 27.3 percent

• Labor Day: 16.7 percent.

Consequences for DWIs include:

Loss of license for up to a year, thousands of dollars in costs and possible jail time

Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above alcohol-concentration level, must use ignition interlock to regain legal driving privileges or face at least one year without a driver’s license

Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.