To avoid a drunken driving arrest or crash designate before you celebrate on New Year’s weekend
To combat drunken driving, law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force for the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.
Although no one really knows what the new year will bring, everyone who will be out celebrating on New Year’s weekend can take steps to make sure 2017 doesn’t start with a drunken driving arrest or a serious crash.
“Last year, the new year began tragically with two traffic deaths during the holiday period from Dec. 31 to Jan. 3. This year, our goal is zero traffic fatalities,” says David Pabst, director of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Bureau of Transportation Safety.
To combat drunken driving, law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force for the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which began Dec. 15 and runs through New Year’s Day.
To help prevent drunken driving arrests and crashes, WisDOT offers a free Zero In Wisconsin Drive Sober mobile app which includes:
- A Find-a-Ride feature that uses a smart phone’s GPS to locate alternative transportation—including taxi services, mass transit, and local ride services.
- A blood alcohol estimator.
- A designated driver selector.
- Interactive games that help determine whether drivers should give up their car keys.
In addition to choosing a designated driver before your New Year’s Eve celebration begins, WisDOT offers the following advice:
- If you’re feeling buzzed, you probably are over the 0.08 (alcohol concentration) limit and should not drive.
- Don’t allow friends to drive drunk no matter how much they protest.
- Some taverns and restaurants may provide patrons with safe transportation to their homes, such as the Tavern League of Wisconsin’s SafeRide program.
- Milwaukee County Transit System and Madison Metro are providing free bus rides on New Year’s Eve.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Department of Transportation
WIS 241 Closed Near Root River in Milwaukee County Due to Flooding
Apr 17th, 2026 by Wisconsin Department of TransportationWIS 241 (27th Street) in the city of Frankin is currently closed due high water levels at the Root River. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) encourages drivers to be aware of changing travel conditions. “Know before you go” with 511 Wisconsin, 511wi.gov or via the free app, to view highway closures impacted by flooding and weather alerts across the state. Current highway closure: Milwaukee County WIS 241 (27th Street) near the Root River is closed in both directions, Milwaukee County The timeline for reopening these roads remains unknown, as river levels are still cresting, and additional rain is anticipated. WisDOT officials are closely monitoring the roads and river levels and will reopen them as soon as it is safe to do so. While it’s difficult to predict if or where flooding may occur, WisDOT offers these tips: Flooding conditions may change rapidly so drive with caution at all times. Never drive through standing water or around barriers. As the safety slogan goes, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” It only takes a foot of rushing water to sweep away or float most cars and just two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. Just six inches of floodwater will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. Stay alert and slow down. Follow designated detour routes if state, county and local roads experience flooding. If you must travel, check 511 Wisconsin for the latest information on any road closures or impacts.
