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More Law Enforcement Patrols Coming To Reduce Impaired Driving

Wikimedia Commons Oregon DOT smallman12q

As the summer winds down, law enforcement agencies across the state are going to be out in greater numbers as part of the annual "Drive Sober orf Get Pulled Over" campaign.

The campaign begins Friday(8/17/18) and will continue through Labor Day.

Wisconsin DOT Director of Transportation Safety David Pabst says the campaign is about enforcement of impaired driving laws but also for outreach and education. The federal government supplies funds for law enforcement to increase the number of patrols.

Pabst says the end of summer brings more people to the roads...

"....Labor Day weekend is the last hurrah of summer and a lot of people tend to want to celebrate and we're telling everyone to take precautions and try to get home safely. Take precautions and try to get home safely. Drink responsibly and make arrangements to get a safe ride home..."

Pabst says crash numbers are sobering....

"...Last year in Wisconsin alcohol-related crashes resulted in 161 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries. Also last year there were more than 24,200 traffic convictions for operating while impaired. So alcohol and driving do not mix. It's still a problem. We've done a good job in reducing it by 50 percent over the past 10 years but it's still a serious problem..."

Pabst says drugged-driving, driving while under the influence of legal or illegal drugs, is also increasing. Pabst says the state has 25 multi-jurisdictional OWI enforcement task forces operating year-round across the state. He says the public can help by calling 9-1-1 if they see a driver who might be impaired. He says if you plan to celebrate, find a designated driver.

Pabst  says the "Drive Sober" mobile app is available for free on the DOT website which includes a "find a ride" feature to help locate transportation alternatives.

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