For the City Times

The Wisconsin Rapids Police Department will join hundreds of other law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin to combat drunken driving during the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” national campaign from Aug. 19 to Sept. 5.

“Although drunken driving is 100 percent preventable, 190 people were killed and nearly 2,900 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in Wisconsin last year,” said says Sergeant Mike Potocki. “During the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown campaign, our officers will be patrolling in greater numbers and for longer hours to arrest drunken drivers before they kill or injure themselves or an innocent victim.”

Rather than risk a drunken driving arrest or crash, the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department urges you to follow these common sense suggestions:

-Choose a sober designated driver before you start drinking.

-If you’re feeling buzzed, you are likely over the 0.08 BAC limit and should not drive.

-Take a mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

-The “Zero in Wisconsin” traffic safety program has a free “Drive Sober” mobile app that can be downloaded by visiting zeroinwisconsin.gov. 

-Some taverns and restaurants have programs to provide patrons with a safe ride home. Visit www.tlw.org and click on “Safe Ride”.

-Report impaired drivers to law enforcement by calling 911.