Drive sober on every trip
Impaired driving is illegal, dangerous and can be deadly. Still, thousands of drivers get behind the wheel while drunk or high, every year. Someone is killed or injured in an impaired driving crash every two hours, in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin State Patrol’s August Law of the Month, is a reminder of the harmful consequences of driving while under the influence.
“Impaired driving doesn’t just impact the person who chooses to get behind the wheel after consuming,” said state patrol superintendent Tim Carnahan. “One slip-up while driving, can take the life of an innocent motorist on the road.”
This preventable crime is a serious traffic safety risk in Wisconsin. Last year, alcohol-related crashes killed 166 people and 74 others died in crashes involving drugs.
Alcohol steadily decreases a person’s ability to drive safely, so it’s important to recognize when it’s OK to drive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driving with even a small amount of impairment can cause a decline in vision, multitasking, coordination and response.
It is illegal in every state, to drive with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. Drivers with a BAC of 0.08 are about four times more likely to crash than drivers with a BAC of zero, and 12 times more likely to crash when the BAC is at 0.15.
Impaired driving is dangerous and prevalent year-round, but can be particularly deadly, as people celebrate the final weeks of summer and the Labor Day holiday.
To raise awareness of the risks, the Wisconsin State Patrol will join law enforcement agencies across the nation, for the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The stepped-up enforcement runs from Aug. 17 through Labor Day.
“Our officers will work together across the state, with zero tolerance for alcohol or drug-impaired driving on Wisconsin roads,” said Carnahan. “We need each driver to take responsibility for their actions. Protect yourself, your passengers and other travelers, by getting a safe ride home.”
If planning to celebrate, identify a sober designated driver or find a safe alternative way home. Never allow someone who is impaired to get behind the wheel.
Protect everyone, every time, when traveling. Buckle up, phone down. Watch speeds and eliminate distractions.
If someone suspects a driver is impaired, call 911. Provide as much detail as possible on the driver, vehicle and location.
Download the free Drive Sober mobile app from the Wis-DOT website. The app includes a “find a ride” feature to help locate mass transit and taxi services. Some bars and restaurants have programs to provide patrons a safe ride home.
