Frequent readers of this blog are aware of the disturbing scene I have witnessed far too often in Green and Lafayette counties.
Take a drive, walk, or all terrain vehicle ride in the area and you will undoubtedly notice a slew of empty beer cans and liquor bottles along the edges of area roads. In a previous incarnation of this blog, I pledged to speak with local law enforcement to find a possible source to this problem. After talking to the first law enforcement official I contacted, my worst fears were realized. People are apparently drinking while driving.
After speaking with road clean up crews in his area, Lafayette County Sheriff Scott Pedley described the problem grimly.
I think there is rampant road drinking occurring, he said in a telephone interview last week.
Those were his first words in response to the question of how those bottles and cans ended up along the roads.
People might drink while drive for many reasons, but it likely occurs because people feel a sense that they will not be caught, Pedley said. Also, drivers might think that if they throw evidence of drinking out the window instead of keeping it the vehicle there might be a smaller chance of receiving a heavier punishment if pulled over, he said.
The root of the problem, Pedley said, shares a foundation with much of the states alcohol problems. Wisconsin has a culture that is accepting of regular alcohol consumption, he said.
I think it all goes to the culture we have. Alcohol use is widespread, unfortunately, (drinking while driving) is one of the affects of the widespread alcohol use, Pedley said.
At the smallest level, drinking while driving is a distraction like any other distraction while driving, he said.
The problem with detecting this type of activity is a sheriffs deputy or police officer must have a reason to stop somebody, Pedley said. If a driver is not exhibiting driving behavior associated with drunken driving swerving, slow speed, erratic driving there is no way to know if a motorist is taking a swig behind the wheel.
Pedleys information is disturbing, but unfortunately I suspect similar to what other area law enforcement officials will have to say.
Please let me know what you think could be done to stop this outrageous behavior by posting a story comment.
Green County Farmhouse Project
Please continue to send farmhouse pictures so I can get this thing up and running. Dont forget, pictures must be simple snap shots of a farmhouse in Green County taken from directly in front of the home, no people or barns please. The only information I ask is for the name of the street, if you wish, but more importantly the name of the town or city the farm is located in. Please e-mail your photos to newseditor@themonroetimes.com.
Take care and watch out for bicycles.
Take a drive, walk, or all terrain vehicle ride in the area and you will undoubtedly notice a slew of empty beer cans and liquor bottles along the edges of area roads. In a previous incarnation of this blog, I pledged to speak with local law enforcement to find a possible source to this problem. After talking to the first law enforcement official I contacted, my worst fears were realized. People are apparently drinking while driving.
After speaking with road clean up crews in his area, Lafayette County Sheriff Scott Pedley described the problem grimly.
I think there is rampant road drinking occurring, he said in a telephone interview last week.
Those were his first words in response to the question of how those bottles and cans ended up along the roads.
People might drink while drive for many reasons, but it likely occurs because people feel a sense that they will not be caught, Pedley said. Also, drivers might think that if they throw evidence of drinking out the window instead of keeping it the vehicle there might be a smaller chance of receiving a heavier punishment if pulled over, he said.
The root of the problem, Pedley said, shares a foundation with much of the states alcohol problems. Wisconsin has a culture that is accepting of regular alcohol consumption, he said.
I think it all goes to the culture we have. Alcohol use is widespread, unfortunately, (drinking while driving) is one of the affects of the widespread alcohol use, Pedley said.
At the smallest level, drinking while driving is a distraction like any other distraction while driving, he said.
The problem with detecting this type of activity is a sheriffs deputy or police officer must have a reason to stop somebody, Pedley said. If a driver is not exhibiting driving behavior associated with drunken driving swerving, slow speed, erratic driving there is no way to know if a motorist is taking a swig behind the wheel.
Pedleys information is disturbing, but unfortunately I suspect similar to what other area law enforcement officials will have to say.
Please let me know what you think could be done to stop this outrageous behavior by posting a story comment.
Green County Farmhouse Project
Please continue to send farmhouse pictures so I can get this thing up and running. Dont forget, pictures must be simple snap shots of a farmhouse in Green County taken from directly in front of the home, no people or barns please. The only information I ask is for the name of the street, if you wish, but more importantly the name of the town or city the farm is located in. Please e-mail your photos to newseditor@themonroetimes.com.
Take care and watch out for bicycles.
