Wisconsin State Patrol educates drivers on dangers of impaired driving

The Wisconsin State Patrol is focusing on educating drivers about the dangers of impaired driving during the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign which runs from Aug. 15-Sept.1. The special enforcement and education campaign unifies efforts from law enforcement agencies across the state to prevent impaired driving.

“We will have more troopers and inspectors on the roads looking for signs of impairment leading into the Labor Day weekend,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “When you’re preparing to celebrate the holiday, be sure to include a plan for a safe and sober ride home. Let’s work together to put a stop to crashes caused by impaired driving.”

There were 7,067 crashes involving alcohol or drug impairment in Wisconsin in 2024. Nearly half of all traffic fatalities (218 of 509) involved either drugs or alcohol.

Working together

Law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin are working year-round to keep impaired drivers off the road.

Over 8,000 law enforcement officers across the state are already trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE). The Wisconsin State Patrol is continuing its work to train all officers, inspectors and troopers statewide.

With almost 400 Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) statewide, Wisconsin is helping lead the nation in eliminating drug-impaired driving. DREs help prevent tragedies by identifying the signs of drug-impaired driving and securing convictions to keep those drivers off the roads.

Make responsible choices

In addition to risking your life and the lives of others on the road, driving impaired carries serious financial and legal consequences. There were more than 18,000 Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) convictions in Wisconsin in 2024. OWI convictions can cost around $10,000, including fines, court costs, attorney fees, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing and repairs, and more. Driving under the influence of any substances can also cost you both your driver license and your vehicle.

Wisconsin State Patrol encourages everyone to make responsible choices to ensure celebrations stay safe:

· Select a sober designated driver ahead of time. If you’re feeling impaired, you are likely over the 0.08 Blood Alcohol Concentration limit and should not drive.

· Remember you have options: take the bus, call a taxi, use a rideshare or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

· Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if they’re impaired.

· If you suspect a driver is impaired, call 911.

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.