WOOD COUNTY, WI (Submitted to OnFocus) – The Wood County Sheriff’s Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign from Wednesday, December 15 through New Year’s Day.
The national campaign focuses on preventing tragedies during the holiday season by boosting law enforcement patrols to get impaired drivers off the roads. Impaired driving is not only illegal, it’s a matter of life and death.
“We are working together to eliminate that risk and make sure everyone can have a safe holiday season,” the department said. “As you head out to celebrate the holidays, make responsible decisions to keep your community safe.”
The campaign will be conducted in a fair and equitable way. It is not simply about stopping or arresting drivers. It is focused on saving lives. Someone is killed in an alcohol-related traffic crash every three hours in Wisconsin.
Drugged driving is also a growing problem in our state. Last year in Wisconsin, there were 6,050 alcohol-related crashes, including 167 deaths.
Alcohol contributed to more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities. Wisconsin officers have special training to help combat impaired driving, including:
- 5,752 police officers trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement to help detect and remove impaired drivers from the roads.
- 347 highly trained Drug Recognition Experts, among the most in the nation.
- 25 multi-jurisdictional high-visibility enforcement task forces operating throughout the year, across the state.
Everyone in the community can help with this effort in several ways:
- If you plan to celebrate, identify a sober designated driver, or find a safe alternative way home. Never allow someone who is impaired to get behind the wheel.
- Protect yourself and your passengers every time you travel. Make sure everyone is buckled up. Watch your speed and eliminate distractions.
- If you suspect a driver is impaired call 911. Provide as much detail as possible on the driver, vehicle, and location.
- Download the free Drive Sober mobile app from the WisDOT website. The app includes a find a ride feature to help locate mass transit and taxi or rideshare services.
- Some bars and restaurants have programs to provide patrons a safe ride home.
- Buckle up and put your phone down. Every trip, every time.
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