WOOD COUNTY--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 Dec. 13 and runs through New Year’s Day.
With the holiday season 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.
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