End 2020 by driving sober

The Chippewa County Sheriff’s office is joining law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin during the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, running through Jan. 1. During the national holiday campaign, law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin, will patrol in greater numbers, for longer hours, watching for impaired drivers.

“About every three hours in Wisconsin, someone is injured or killed in an alcohol-related crash,” said Sheriff Jim Kowalczyk. “This campaign is not about stopping or arresting motorists. It’s about saving lives and preventing needless tragedies.

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

While alcohol-impaired drivers remain a concern, a growing problem involves drug-impaired drivers – people whose ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is compromised, by legal or illegal drugs, including prescription and over-thecounter medications.

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 from the roadways; 310 highly-trained drug recognition experts – among the most in the nation; 23 multi-jurisdictional high-visibility enforcement task forces operating throughout the year, across the state.

Citizens can help in several ways, by doing the following:

• If planning to celebrate, identify a sober, designated driver or find a safe alternative way home. Never allow someone to get behind the wheel impaired.

• Protect every passengers every time. Ensure everyone is buckled up. Watch 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 encountering a driver that 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,” said Kowalczyk. “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.”