Gainesville police officers and Hall County Sheriff's deputies are keeping their eyes peeled for the most dangerous motorists on the road this week - drunk drivers.

As part of the annual Operation Zero Tolerance campaign, officers are stepping up patrols of impaired drivers, speeding and seat belt violations.

About a dozen residents have been stopped for driving under the influence since Dec. 17, said officials with Hall County Sheriff's DUI Task Force. Of these, three drivers had children in the car and were charged under the Child Endangerment Act.

"We're seeing a similar trend to last year when it comes to arrests," said sheriff's spokesman Col. Jeff Strickland. "The DUI task force is saying that more people seem to be taking designated drivers or cabs, too."

The Governor's Office of Highway Safety hosts the program through Jan. 2, but Hall County deputies watch for impaired driving year-round, Strickland said.

"We step up patrols throughout the holiday season, and we'll conduct traffic safety checks, especially New Year's Eve," he said. "In December 2009, 753 people were killed across the country with an illegal blood alcohol content."

DUI arrest numbers are also following the usual trend for Gainesville officers, who are paying attention to routine traffic violations, said officer Kevin Holbrook.

"With the holiday season, added stress usually comes along with it. Many times people are rushing to get from one place to another. They have a lot on their minds and driving is usually not at the top of the list," he said.

"Our main goal is to make sure that everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. We want to make sure that everyone arrives to see family, friends and loved ones safely."

Groups are available throughout the holidays to pick up impaired drivers and get them home, including BPI-Safe Rides. The organization will transport the driver's vehicle home for free on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

Created as a branch of Bill's Place Inc., an aftercare facility for substance abusers in Gainesville, the group sends volunteer drivers to a location in 30 minutes or less.

"We transport the impaired vehicle owner and guests in the owner's car to the owner's home of record, as long as it is within Hall County. The home must be a personal residence or public lodging facility only," said Vivienne Long-Speer, executive director of BPI-Safe Rides. "All patrons must wear seat belts at all times. There are no exceptions to this policy. We escort everyone to their door and hand them the keys to their vehicle."