‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign kicks off Friday

Metro Wire Staff

The annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign begins Friday, Dec. 18.

Multiple local law enforcement agencies are participating in this year’s national campaign to curb drunk driving, which runs through Jan. 1, 2021.

Law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin will patrol in greater numbers, for longer hours, watching for impaired drivers.

Last year in Wisconsin, there were 6,058 alcohol-related crashes that injured 2,918 people and resulted in 140 deaths—about one-fourth of all traffic fatalities for the year.

“This campaign is not about stopping and arresting motorists,” Sheriff Mike Lukas said in a press release. “It’s about saving lives and preventing needless tragedies during the holiday season. We need all drivers to make smart and responsible decisions.”

To help combat impaired driving, Wisconsin has 5,223 police officers trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) to help detect and remove impaired drivers; 310 highly-trained Drug Recognition Experts—among the nation’s most; and 23 multi-jurisdictional high-visibility enforcement task forces.

If you do plan to celebrate, identify a sober designated driver, or find a safe alternate way home. Never allow someone to get behind the wheel impaired.

If you encounter a suspected impaired driver, call 911 and provide as much detail as possible on the driver, vehicle, and location.