The national ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign is running from August 16, 2019 through September 2, 2019. Police departments across Wisconsin have stated they will be participating. Officials said that they are not just trying to stop individuals from driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, but they are also seeking to increase public safety.
During the campaign, officers will be working longer hours and out in greater force to catch people they suspect of operating a vehicle while impaired. They will be looking for motorists displaying reckless driving behaviors such as excessive speeding, swerving between lanes, and failing to obey traffic signals, among others. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, around 5,000 officers are trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) to determine if a motorist is under the influence.
State OWI Laws
In Wisconsin, a person could be charged for operating while intoxicated (OWI), even if their blood alcohol concentration is below the legal limit of .08%. If an officer believes that the driver cannot safely control their vehicle, they can pull them over and arrest them. Additionally, it is illegal for an individual under 21 years of age to have any amount of alcohol in their systems.
The DOT makes the following recommendations to drivers:
- Appoint a designated driver when going out for drinks
- Take a taxi or public transportation if they feel they cannot operate their vehicle
- The department developed the “Safe Driver” mobile app, which is available on its website
- Use safe ride home programs offered by some bars and restaurants
Reach Out to the Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella for Legal Defense
With efforts ramped up to catch people suspected of driving while impaired, individuals who may not be under the influence might be pulled over and arrested for drunk or drugged driving. If you were charged, contact our skilled attorney today. We have handled numerous OWI cases, and we know that various factors other than alcohol could cause a driver to accidentally swerve into another lane or have difficulty passing a field sobriety test, among other behaviors. We will work hard to build a solid defense on your behalf and fight the charge you’re facing.
To schedule a free consultation, call us at (414) 882-8382 or contact us online.