State Patrol Reminds Motorists To Drive Sober This Weekend

Saturday, December 30th, 2023 -- 6:28 AM

The Wisconsin State Patrol asks drivers to prioritize safety this season and plan for a sober ride home from New Years' celebrations. Officers will step up enforcement to stop impaired driving during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The national effort runs through New Year’s Day.

While Wisconsin law enforcement agencies work together throughout the year to identify and prevent impaired driving, this high-visibility presence comes during a time of the year when impaired driving is typically a greater concern.

During the 2022 holiday season, there were 470 crashes involving impaired drivers in Wisconsin. Those incidents killed five people and injured 178 others.

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 insurances 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

Many will be celebrating this holiday weekend, but the plan for those festive events must also come with a plan for a safe ride home for yourself or your guests.

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

• 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.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.