GREEN COUNTY - Area police will be out in force to crack down on drunk drivers starting Friday, Aug. 16, and extending through Labor Day (Sept. 2).
Police in Albany, Brodhead and New Glarus in particular have received state grants to increase the number of officers patrolling roads during the two-week period.
It's part of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" traffic safety campaign to prevent drunk driving.
"This includes a heightened awareness for impaired driving and seatbelt use during this time," the New Glarus Police Department said in a news release.
The Monroe Police Department isn't receiving the state grant because of the department's performance during past traffic safety initiatives, according to Chief Fred Kelley.
"We did such a good job, we're not eligible," he said.
Still, Kelley stressed that his officers will be on heightened alert for signs of intoxicated driving.
Last year, 223 people were killed and nearly 3,000 injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes in Wisconsin, according to the state Department of Transportation. There were nearly 27,000 convictions statewide of driving while intoxicated in 2012.
"Drunken driving is entirely preventable. You can designate a sober driver or find an alternative way home. But if you make the irresponsible choice to drive while impaired, our officers will be on the lookout, and we will arrest you," Sgt. James Placek of the Albany Police Department said in a statement. "Driving drunk will be a decision you'll regret the rest of your life, if you're lucky enough to live."
The ongoing Zero In Wisconsin anti-drunk driving initiative offers a free "Drive Sober" mobile app. It includes features to help the user find a ride, estimate blood-alcohol level and select a designated driver.
The app can be downloaded by visiting www.zeroinwisconsin.gov.
- Katjusa Cisar
Police in Albany, Brodhead and New Glarus in particular have received state grants to increase the number of officers patrolling roads during the two-week period.
It's part of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" traffic safety campaign to prevent drunk driving.
"This includes a heightened awareness for impaired driving and seatbelt use during this time," the New Glarus Police Department said in a news release.
The Monroe Police Department isn't receiving the state grant because of the department's performance during past traffic safety initiatives, according to Chief Fred Kelley.
"We did such a good job, we're not eligible," he said.
Still, Kelley stressed that his officers will be on heightened alert for signs of intoxicated driving.
Last year, 223 people were killed and nearly 3,000 injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes in Wisconsin, according to the state Department of Transportation. There were nearly 27,000 convictions statewide of driving while intoxicated in 2012.
"Drunken driving is entirely preventable. You can designate a sober driver or find an alternative way home. But if you make the irresponsible choice to drive while impaired, our officers will be on the lookout, and we will arrest you," Sgt. James Placek of the Albany Police Department said in a statement. "Driving drunk will be a decision you'll regret the rest of your life, if you're lucky enough to live."
The ongoing Zero In Wisconsin anti-drunk driving initiative offers a free "Drive Sober" mobile app. It includes features to help the user find a ride, estimate blood-alcohol level and select a designated driver.
The app can be downloaded by visiting www.zeroinwisconsin.gov.
- Katjusa Cisar