Racine Selected for Drunk Driving Reduction Project; Called 'Cost Neutral' to Taxpayers

RACINE COUNTY -- It doesn't take much research to know that drunk driving is commonplace on Wisconsin's roads -especially nearby, and with disastrous results.

The Department of Justice has selected Racine County as one of five Wisconsin counties to pilot a new program designed to reduce repeat drunk driving. The new program, dubbed “24/7 Sobriety” requires participants to be under near-constant monitoring for drug and alcohol use and has shown success in other states.

“We know that for some drunk drivers the usual preventative measures are ineffective,” said Van Wanggaard (R-Racine), a co-author of the pilot program. “This is a promising tool which should reduce drunk driving and potentially other crimes.”

Alcohol-related crashes in Racine County 2014:
2009: 3,606
2010: 3,437
2011: 3,378
2012: 3,536
2013: 3,854
2014: 4,181

Source: most recent data available from WISDOT.

Under the 24/7 Sobriety Program, repeat drunk drivers are given a high-level of monitoring to ensure no consumption of alcohol or drugs. This monitoring may include twice-daily alcohol tests, routine, scheduled drug testing, or another means of continuous testing for alcohol.

A positive or missed test results in immediate consequences for the individual. The program is designed to be cost-neutral to taxpayers, as program costs are paid by participants.

The 24/7 Sobriety pilot runs through the year 2020. The Wisconsin Department of Justice will work with the selected counties to ensure continuity in the program, along with compliance in the law. The costs for program participants are expected to be around $50 for enrollment and $2 per on-site breath testing. In addition to Racine County, Green Lake, Washburn, Manitowoc, and Oneida Counties will also participate in the pilot program.