WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) Police across Maraton County are beginning a ‘Drive Sober of Get Pulled Over’ campaign starting today, running through September 5th. It’s part of a broader, statewide OWI enforcement effort.
Locally the Wausau, Rothschild, Kronenwetter police departments, the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, and Wisconsin State Patrol will all have more officers patrolling for longer hours over the next two weeks.
190 people were killed by drunk driving last year in Wisconsin, and nearly 3,000 people were injured.
“We are seeing higher numbers throughout the state, driving while intoxicated, which obviously leads to the fatal accidents, which is at a drastic increase from last year,” Lieutenant Ted Knoeck with the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department said.
The sheriff’s department recommends setting up a designated driver before you start drinking, or call a cab. Or ask if the bar or restaurant you’re at has a “safe ride” program that can take you home for free.
