By Reg M. Gill, Lafayette County Sheriff

and Troy J. Loeffelholz, Chief Deputy

This holiday season, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office is joining law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin and the nation to prevent tragedies in our communities.  

There will be more officers out patrolling to get impaired drivers off the roads during the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday enforcement campaign. It runs Friday, December 16 through New Year’s Day. 

The campaign is not simply about stopping or arresting drivers. It is focused on saving lives. Someone is killed or injured in impaired driving crash every two hours in Wisconsin. During the last holiday season, there were nearly 400 crashes that involved an impaired driver. 

Alcohol and drugs can have a significant impact on a driver’s focus and ability to maintain control behind the wheel. Last year in Wisconsin, there were 6,368 alcohol-related crashes that killed 166 people. Alcohol contributed to more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities.   

Wisconsin officers have special training to help combat impaired driving, including: 

●  6,382 police officers trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement to help detect and remove impaired drivers from the roads 

●  365 highly trained Drug Recognition Experts, among the most in the nation 

●  25 multi-jurisdictional high-visibility OWI task forces operating around the state  

Everyone in the community can help with this effort in several ways: 

●  If you plan to celebrate, identify a sober designated driver, or find a safe ride home. Never allow someone who is impaired to get behind the wheel. 

●  If you suspect a driver is impaired call 911. Provide as much detail as possible on the driver, vehicle, and location. 

●  Some bars and restaurants have programs to provide patrons a safe ride home.  

●  Buckle up and put your phone down. Every trip, every time. 

Drive safe and Enjoy the Holiday’s.