DANE COUNTY, Wis. — Ahead of New Year’s Eve, law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin, including in Dane County on Friday, are issuing reminders and warnings to revelers to leave the drive home to someone else if there’s even a chance they could be the least bit impaired after any celebration.

“Part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign encompasses the holiday season, which of course includes New Year’s Eve,” said Stoughton Police Lt. Chad O’Neill, who also serves on the Dane County Traffic Safety Commission.

There were 393 crashes involving impaired drivers in the state last holiday season, from Dec. 15, 2023 to Jan. 1, 2024, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).

Twelve people died and 197 others were injured as a result of those accidents.

“Getting behind the wheel while impaired is a dangerous decision with consequences that can harm yourself and others,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said in a release. “Law enforcement officers will be out with a greater presence this holiday season to keep the roads safe for everyone, but drivers need to take the first step and make responsible choices.”

Unfortunately, O’Neill said too many Wisconsinites still aren’t heeding their warnings, putting lives at risk across Wisconsin.

“Sadly, we’re not seeing the downward trend that we’d like to see in Dane County or statewide,” O’Neill said. “Specifically in Dane County, we’ve already had 16 alcohol-related deaths this year alone.”

Impaired driving can have many consequences, according to WisDOT. Including the potential of crashing, OWI convictions can cost drivers around $10,000. Drivers can also lose their license or vehicle as a result of a conviction.

The Wisconsin State Patrol shared the following safety tips for drivers:

  • “Always drive sober.
  • “Identify a sober designated driver. If you’re feeling the effects of alcohol or another substance, you likely are over the 0.08 BAC limit and should not drive.
  • “Take the bus, call a taxi, or use a rideshare service instead of getting behind the wheel. Use the Safe Ride​ program to find a ride home.
  • “If you have a friend who is about to drink and drive, step in. Take the keys away and help them get home safely. 
  • “If you suspect a driver is impaired, safely gather as much info as you can about the vehicle, driver, and location. Then call 911.​​”

Watch the full interview above.