Wisconsin's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to crack down on drunken driving around the holidays begins Friday and runs through the end of the year.
The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department is one of many law enforcement agencies around the state participating.
Deputies in Waukesha County will be out on the roads in greater numbers and for longer hours.
The extra patrols are paid for with state grant money. The sheriff's department said the increased presence on area highways is meant to discourage people from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while impaired.
A fall, 2017 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over operation in Waukesha County that took place around the Labor Day weekend allowed deputies to spend an extra 78 hours on local roadways in a roughly two-week span.
This month, deputies there will be focusing their efforts on busy stretches of I-94 and I-43.
Vehicles that are swerving in and out of their lanes, or speeding, are likely to be pulled over on suspicion of OWI.
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While the extra patrols are focusing on spotting drunk drivers, deputies are able to hand out all other citations as well.
The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department said all motorists should keep the following in mind:
- If you plan to celebrate, choose a sober, designated driver.
- If you are feeling “buzzed", you likely are over the 0.08 BAC limit and should not drive. Take public transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
- The Wisconsin DOT offers a free Drive Sober mobile app that includes a blood alcohol estimator, designated driver selector, and find-a-ride feature that uses a smart phone’s GPS to locate alternative transportation.
- Some taverns and restaurants have programs to provide patrons with a safe ride home. Visit www.tlw.org for more information.
- Report impaired drivers to law enforcement by calling 911. Provide as much detail as possible on the driver, vehicle and location.
