The Wednesday night before Thanksgiving has grown into one of the largest nights out of the year, as thousands travel home to celebrate with family and friends. 

County leaders announced Monday DWI arrests are down almost ten percent, compared to this time last. DWI fatals have also gone down, with less than ten in Erie County last year, compared to 45 in 1995. 

Leaders say a majority of arrests take place at 1am, with more than 420 as of January 2017. Police say the decline can be attributed to ride-sharing and designated driving.

This week, extra patrols and checkpoints will be added.

"A pretty good track record of success. We're just hoping that generally that people would make a better choice even if they're out at those hours that they just wouldn't drive afterwards," said John Sullivan, Erie County STOP-DWI Office Director.

The state's STOP-DWI Initiative began in 1982.