Muskego Police to Take Part in Drive Sober Campaign

The will be participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on drunken drivers beginning August 19 and continuing until September. 5. 

According to a release from the department, drunken driving continues to be one of the most destructive and deadly crimes in Wisconsin.

"Last year, 220 people were killed and more than 3,500 injured in nearly 5,800 alcohol-related traffic crashes.  There were more than 40,000 convictions for drunken driving in Wisconsin last year.  The Muskego Police Department alone made 150 Drunk Driving arrests in 2010."

In spite of the statistics, the concern is that too many people still make the "irresponsible and dangerous decision to get behind the wheel while impaired," the release stated.  

Recent changes to Wisconsin law have increased the penalties for drunk driving.

Under a state law enacted last year, first-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI) drivers who were convicted with a blood/breath alcohol level of .15 or higher and all repeat drunken drivers are required to have an ignition interlock device on every vehicle they own or drive. Ignition interlock devices ensure drivers are sober before they can start their vehicle.  There is an installation fee for the devise, as well as a monthly fee.  The law also makes first offense OWI a criminal offense if there is a passenger under age 16 in the vehicle.

The efforts will not only focus on alcohol alone, as the same charges apply if drivers are caught operating a vehicle while impaired by a drug.  Many prescription and over the counter medications have side effects that inhibit the safe operation of a vehicle.  

Muskego Police Lt. Andrew Kraus stressed that "drunken driving is entirely preventable. During the upcoming Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown and throughout the year, our goal is not to arrest more drunken drivers. We simply are trying to save lives and prevent injuries. If we can deter people from getting behind the wheel when they are not sober, we will make progress toward the goal of reducing the number of preventable traffic deaths to Zero In Wisconsin."