State Troopers using special patrols during Country USA to target drunk drivers

FOX CITIES (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Division of State Patrol (DSP) reminds Country USA event goers to enjoy the music and designate a designated driver if you plan on drinking at the concert.

To combat drunk driving, DSP will again have extra patrols on the roads around the festival venue to target intoxicated drivers.

Special Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) Saturation Patrols will be in effect for the five-day concert beginning Tuesday, June 19.

Local law enforcement is especially concerned with the recent trend of drunk drivers leaving Country USA events who are not of legal age to drink alcohol, according to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

“We have really noticed an uptick in underage drinking at Country USA. Unfortunately, those not of legal age to drink are making the deadly decision to get behind the wheel as well,” said Sergeant Dan Diedrich, Wisconsin State Patrol, Fond du Lac Post. ““Law enforcement officers are well trained in identifying the signs of impaired driving, and they know where and when to look for drunken drivers.”

To help prevent drunken driving, WisDOT offers a free Drive Sober mobile app. You can use the Blood Alcohol Estimator to find out if you’re sober enough to drive, select a sober driver with the Designated Driver Selector, choose your ride and get home safely with the Find a Ride feature, report a drunk driver, and more. For more information, click here.