Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign begins Wednesday, Aug. 18

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin will boost patrols in the next few weeks as part of a national effort to end a deadly and preventable crime on the roads.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is joining the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign from Wednesday, Aug. 18 through Labor Day.

“What makes these deaths so tragic is that they are preventable,” Wisconsin Secretary-designee of Transportation Craig Thompson said. “They result from the terrible decision to get behind the wheel while impaired. We hope the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign will make drivers think twice before they make a mistake that costs someone their life.”

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) says alcohol contributed to more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities in Wisconsin last year.

Last year, there were also 2,250 drug-related crashes that caused 80 deaths -- up from 1, 749 crashes and 59 deaths in 2019.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign utilizes multi-jurisdictional enforcement task forces. 

State Patrol officers will work with a team in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. 

WisDOT says resources are available to help eliminate impaired driving. The Drive Sober mobile app is free to download to help drivers make a plan. It includes a "find a ride" feature to help locate mass transit and taxi services.

For additional information and resources, click here.