Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign begins today

The Wisconsin State Patrol is joined by law enforcement agencies throughout the state stepping up patrols to stop impaired driving during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The national effort begins December 13 and runs through New Year’s Day.

With the holiday season approaching and celebrations in the works, drivers are urged to plan for a sober ride ahead of time. Impairment can cloud judgement, so designate a sober driver prior to celebrating. If you are the designated driver, take that responsibility seriously. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider how your guests will get home. Identify rideshare options before you get to the celebration. There is no reason to drive impaired.

During the last holiday season (Dec. 15, 2023-Jan. 1, 2024), there were 393 crashes involving impaired drivers in Wisconsin. Those incidents killed 12 people and injured 197 others.

“Getting behind the wheel while impaired is a dangerous decision with consequences that can harm yourself and others,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “Law enforcement officers will be out with a greater presence this holiday season to keep the roads safe for everyone, but drivers need to take the first step and make responsible choices.”

The Wisconsin State Patrol works to assist local law enforcement agencies with obtaining specialty training to detect impairment and get dangerous drivers off the road. Over 7,500 officers in Wisconsin are trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and the state has among the most Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) in the nation, with nearly 400 officers who have completed DRE training.

Impaired driving has many consequences for a driver in addition to the potential for a crash. OWI convictions can cost around $10,000, including fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates and vehicle services. A driver can also lose their license and vehicle because of an OWI conviction.

Plan for a safe ride this holiday season

The State Patrol encourages drivers to put safety first during the holidays:

• Always drive sober.
• Identify a sober designated driver. If you’re feeling the effects of alcohol or another substance, you likely are over the 0.08 BAC limit and should not drive.
• Take the bus, call a taxi, or use a rideshare service instead of getting behind the wheel. Use the Safe Ride program to find a ride home.
• If you have a friend who is about to drink and drive, step in. Take the keys away and help them get home safely.
• If you suspect a driver is impaired, safely gather as much info as you can about the vehicle, driver, and location. Then 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.