(Juneau) The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is still in effect for a few more days. The nation-wide effort from law enforcement focuses on stopping as well as educating drunk drivers. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt explains the role his department plays.
“We’re focusing on heavy traffic enforcement [and] making sure we get impaired drivers off the roadway as quickly as possible to keep people safe,” says Schmidt. “If you’re out there driving and you’re impaired, there is a high probability you may come in contact with one of my staff.”
Schmidt says there will be extra patrol cars out and extra enforcement. He adds that it is not limited to just alcohol.
“It means drug use as well,’ Schmidt says. “If you are out there using marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroine, any of those drugs, and you’re driving under the influence, that is an OWI.”
The sheriff says that includes prescription drugs as well, such as muscle relaxers or pain relievers.
Last year in Wisconsin, there were 6,230 alcohol-related crashes that killed 155 people which was one-quarter of all traffic fatalities. In 2022, there were over 18-hundred drug-related crashes that caused 64 deaths. Every two hours, someone is injured or killed in an impaired driving crash in Wisconsin.
Tips to help mitigate these crashes include identifying a sober designated driver, buckling up, calling 911 when suspecting someone is driving impaired, and download the free “Driver Sober” app that features a “find a ride” option.
The Tavern League of Wisconsin also has a SafeRide Program to assist patrons of bars and restaurants. Click HERE to visit the SafeRide Program website.
The Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign goes until September 4th.
