WAUSAU — Wausau Police Department will join hundreds of law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin to combat impaired driving during the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative from Aug. 17 through Labor Day on Sept. 3. Last year in Wisconsin, alcohol-related crashes resulted in 161 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries.
During the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative, officers will patrol in greater numbers and for longer hours to help prevent impaired drivers from killing or injuring themselves or someone else.
While alcohol-impaired drivers remain a significant problem, a growing concern is drugged driving – people whose ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is compromised by legal or illegal drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, according to Wausau Police Department.
Rather than risk an OWI arrest or crash, Wausau Police Department urges drivers to follow these common sense suggestions:
- Report impaired drivers to law enforcement by calling 911. Provide as much detail as possible on the driver, vehicle and location.
- If you plan to celebrate, identify a sober designated driver. Never allow someone else to get behind the wheel impaired.
- 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. Visit tlw.org/ and click on Safe Ride.
