Thinking of Drinking and Driving? Cops Will Be Out

From Racine County Sheriff’s Office: The choice to drive while impaired can have tragic and lasting consequences.

The Racine County Sheriff’s Office continues to take an aggressive stance toward keeping our streets safe. This weekend will be no different.

To date we’ve made 325 operating while intoxicated arrests, an increase from last year’s 288 and 267 in 2015. We estimate this year, that combined, all of the law enforcement agencies in Racine County will make approximately 750 operating while intoxicated arrests.

This New Year’s Eve and beyond we want our citizens and visitors to enjoy our local establishments in a safe and responsible manner. We offer the following to keep us all safe.

• Plan ahead. If you are planning to drink - have a sober pre-planned designated driver, or make arrangements for other forms of transportation such as a taxi, Uber, Lyft or SafeRide.

• Be responsible. If you are hosting a gathering, offer plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and don’t let impaired guests get behind the wheel.

• Buckle up and drive defensively – every trip, every time.

Please be safe and smart. Use good common sense, know your limits and plan ahead. If you’re driving impaired, you will be arrested.

In addition to extra enforcement patrols by the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, you have a role in keeping our families and roads safer. I urge you to immediately report dangerous and impaired drivers by calling 911.

Together, let’s wrap up 2017 safely and bring in the new year with no alcohol or drug related crashes!

Thank you.

Christopher Schmaling

Sheriff, Racine County

Image via Shutterstock