For the Antigo Times

The Antigo Police Department will join hundreds of other law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin to combat drunken driving during the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” national campaign from Aug. 19 to Sept. 5.

“Although drunken driving is 100 percent preventable, 190 people were killed and nearly 2,900 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in Wisconsin last year,” says Chief Eric Roller.   “During the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown campaign, our officers will be patrolling in greater numbers and for longer hours to arrest drunken drivers before they kill or injure themselves or an innocent victim.”

Rather than risk a drunken driving arrest or crash, the Antigo Police Department urges you to follow these common sense suggestions:

• Choose a sober designated driver before you start drinking.

• If you’re feeling buzzed, you likely are over the 0.08 BAC limit and should not drive.

• Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

• The Zero In Wisconsin traffic safety program has a free “Drive Sober” mobile app that can be downloaded by visiting zeroinwisconsin.gov

• Some taverns and restaurants have programs to provide patrons with a safe ride home. Visit tlw.org/ and click on Safe Ride.

• Report impaired drivers to law enforcement by calling 911.