The New Canaan Police Department has launched a driver safety reward program for the holidays.

The department has increased the number of officers present in downtown New Canaan as part of "Operation Do the Right Thing." Police say the town saw a higher-than-normal number of severe accidents this year.

The initiative is intended to not only crack down on drunken driving and other dangerous behaviors, but reward good Samaritans. Residents deemed nice during the period will receive rewards such as gift cards.

Police Chief Leon Krolikowski says the program is a positive-reinforcement tactic that he hopes will teach people that it pays to obey the law. He says he is not aware of any other programs like this in the area.

Krolikowski says the program will continue as long as local businesses keep donating gift cards. He says any business can contact him to get involved.