By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Local police will be out in force tonight to make sure New Year's revelers play it safe on the road.

Ohio State Highway Patrol and Kentucky State Police will have extra officers on patrol. While no checkpoints are planned for Greater Cincinnati, officers say they will be watching closely for drunken drivers, as well as people who speed, follow too closely or don't wear seat belts.

"We really want people to be wearing seat belts out there," said Sgt. Ken Ward of the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Lebanon Post. "The state has adopted a zero tolerance on that now."

The efforts are part of a national "You Drink & Drive - You Lose" campaign by local and state law enforcement agencies. The program started Dec. 20 and runs through Sunday.

Care Cab, a joint effort of AAA Cincinnati and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) of Southwestern Ohio, will give free cab rides home to impaired drivers.

Care Cab operates inside the I-275 beltway in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana starting at 6 p.m. today and continuing all day Wednesday. The service, provided by Towne Taxi, will only take drivers from a public establishment to a residence.

This is the sixth year for the program, which has been used by 725 people. For a Care Cab, call 768-FREE (3733).

"Our biggest concern is motorist safety," AAA spokeswoman Sandra Guile said. "We think it's a tremendous step in preventing the number of impaired drivers on the road."

Over last year's New Year's holiday weekend, 12 people died in 11 crashes on Ohio roads. At least four were alcohol-related, and none of the victims was wearing a seat belt.

In Kentucky, 14 people died in 14 crashes over a five-day period. To report an impaired driver in Ohio, call 877) 7-PATROL. In Kentucky, call (800) 222-5555.

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com