JEFFERSON — The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department will be taking part in a state-wide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign this holiday season.
The campaign begins Dec. 18 and goes through Jan. 1, 2021. During this time, there will be even more officers and deputies on the streets, who will be working longer shifts, to make sure that everyone on the roads is driving sober.
“About every three hours in Wisconsin, someone is injured or killed in an alcohol-related crash,” Sheriff Paul Milbrath said. “This is campaign is not about stopping or arresting motorists. It’s about saving lives and preventing needless tragedies. I think we can all agree that 2020 has not been a banner year. We need all drivers to make smart, responsible decisions and not make it any worse.”
The deputies will not just be looking for people who were drinking, but also people who are impaired because of drugs. Drug-impaired drivers are a growing concern in Wisconsin, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department said in a press release Friday.
To help combat impaired drivers, the state has 5,223 police officers trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) to help detect and remove impaired drivers from the roadways.
The state also has 310 highly-trained Drug Recognition Experts - among the most in the nation, and 23 multi-jurisdictional high-visibility enforcement task forces operating throughout the year, across the state.
If you want to help keep our roads safe, you can do the following:
- If you plan to celebrate, identify a sober designated driver or find a safe alternative way home. Never allow someone to get behind the wheel impaired.
- Protect yourself and your passengers every time you travel. Ensure everyone is buckled up. Watch your speed and eliminate distractions.
- Download the free “Drive Sober” mobile app from the WisDOT website. The app includes a “find a ride” feature to help locate mass transit and taxi services;
- Some taverns and restaurants have programs to provide patrons a safe ride home.
- If you encounter a driver you suspect is impaired, call 911. Provide as much detail as possible on the driver, vehicle and location.
“Drivers impaired by alcohol or other drugs risk the safety of everyone along our roadways,” Sheriff Milbrath said. “During the Drive Sober campaign and throughout the year, our goal is to help ensure all travelers reach their destinations safely.”
