8/18/2025

N. WISCONSIN - The Wisconsin State Patrol is conducting its annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign through September 1st. The program aims to educate drivers and prevent impaired driving. Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan emphasizes planning for a sober ride home, especially for Labor Day weekend, to reduce crashes. In 2024, Wisconsin saw over 7,000 crashes involving impairment, leading to 218 fatalities. Over 8,000 officers are trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and nearly 400 Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) are working to combat drug-impaired driving. Impaired driving carries severe financial and legal consequences, with over 18,000 OWI convictions in 2024, each costing around $10,000 and risking loss of license and vehicle. The Wisconsin State Patrol urges everyone to designate a sober driver.