Wisconsin OWI Task Force Starts Friday

MILWAUKEE, WI — Law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin are combining resources to pull over impaired drivers as part of the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative that begins Friday, August 18 and continues through Labor Day, September 4.

“Whether it’s caused by alcohol, prescription medications or other drugs, impaired driving is illegal, it’s dangerous, and it risks the lives of everyone along our roadways,” said David Pabst, Director of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT’s) Bureau of Transportation Safety in a prepared statement.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation utilizes federal funding to help support 24 OWI task forces operating across the state that combine the resources of multiple law enforcement agencies to conduct high-visibility enforcement efforts.

Task force activities occur year-round, are typically announced ahead of time, and often involve roadside signage and vests on officers informing the public that intensified enforcement of impaired driving laws is underway.

WisDOT offers a free Drive Sober mobile app, which includes a blood alcohol estimator, designated driver selector, find-a-ride feature (which uses a smart phone’s GPS to locate alternative transportation), along with interactive games that help determine whether drivers should give up their keys.

Since its launch in February 2013, nearly 73,500 people have accessed the app, which can be downloaded for free at: www.zeroinwisconsin.gov/drives...

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