As Wisconsinites enter the holiday season, the Wisconsin State Patrol has launched its annual 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign. Coordinating with other law enforcement agencies across the state and nation, the initiative, which began today, focuses on enforcing impaired driving laws and promoting public education through New Year’s Day.
Last holiday season, Wisconsin recorded 403 crashes involving impaired drivers, resulting in nine fatalities and 169 injuries. In response, Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan emphasized the importance of planning ahead for safe travel, stating, “With the holiday season underway, we are urging drivers to plan ahead before celebrating to keep Wisconsin’s roads safe," as reported by WisDOT.
Supporting this effort, the Wisconsin State Patrol provides specialized training to local law enforcement. The state currently has over 8,000 officers trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and nearly 400 certified as Drug Recognition Experts (DRE). These measures aim to ensure that officers are equipped to identify and apprehend impaired drivers effectively.
The consequences of an impaired driving incident extend beyond the risk of a crash. According to WisDOT, an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) conviction can cost around $10,000, including fines, court fees, lost work time, higher insurance rates, and vehicle-related expenses. A conviction may also result in the loss of a driver’s license and vehicle.
The Wisconsin State Patrol emphasizes a simple rule: always drive sober. Plan ahead by designating a sober driver before celebrations begin, or use alternative transportation such as buses, taxis, rideshares, or programs like Safe Ride. Those responsible for designated driving should take the role seriously, and hosts should ensure guests have safe ways to get home. If someone appears about to drive impaired, intervene by taking their keys and helping them find a safe option. If you see a potentially impaired driver on the road, note details safely and contact authorities by calling 911.
