The Wisconsin State Patrol, along with other law enforcement agencies statewide, today launched its “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign against impaired driving over the holidays.
Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said that “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.” Over 7,500 officers trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement will be out on Wisconsin roads, with nearly 400 of those having completed Drug Recognition Expert training, among the highest rate in the nation.
While officers will be ready to intervene when impaired driving is spotted, it’s hoped that the public will be aware and plan ahead to drive sober by thinking ahead about the ride home, considering rideshare or other options, because statistics such as last year’s show what happens when drivers choose poorly: from December 15, 2023 – January 1, 2024, there were 393 crashes involving impaired drivers in Wisconsin. Those incidents killed 12 people and injured 197 others.
The nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort began on December 13 and runs through New Year’s Day.
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