The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Police Department will be out in full force for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on drunken drivers from Aug. 17 to Sept. 3.
The UW Oshkosh police are joining forces with other law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin and the rest of the nation for the initiative, which runs through Labor Day weekend.
Drunken driving continues to be prevalent, persistent and deadly on city streets and rural roads throughout Wisconsin. Last year, 225 people were killed and nearly 3,000 injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes in Wisconsin. There were more than 35,000 convictions for drunken driving in Wisconsin last year.
“Drunken driving is entirely preventable. If we can deter people from getting behind the wheel when they’re not sober, we will make progress toward the goal of reaching zero preventable traffic deaths in Wisconsin,” said UW Oshkosh Police Chief Joe LeMire. “Our message during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign and throughout the year is simple: If you’re driving while impaired, we will arrest you. The devastating consequences of a drunken driving arrest include major embarrassment, expensive penalties, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device on all your vehicles, and possibly jail time. Driving drunk will be a decision you’ll regret the rest of your life, if you are lucky enough to live.”
UW Oshkosh Police submitted this announcement. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to contribute calendar items, campus announcements and other good news to UW Oshkosh Today.