Full Notification

The Middleton Police Department, Waunakee Police Department and Shorewood Hills Police Department are joining forces in an OWI Task Force with a grant provided by the Bureau of Transportation Safety. 
 
The task force will run from the middle of June through September 2021.  The grant will allow our departments to place more officers on the road to focus on OWI enforcement, along with seatbelt enforcement.  Each department will patrol their own jurisdictions and report their activity to the Bureau of Transportation Safety each month.
 
“About every three hours in Wisconsin, someone is injured or killed in an alcohol-related crash,” Sergeant Jessica Quamme said.  “This is not about stopping or arresting motorists.  This is about saving lives and preventing needless tragedies by encouraging drivers to be safe and responsible.”  
 
Last year in Wisconsin, there were 6,058 alcohol-related crashes that injured 2,918 people and resulted in 140 deaths (about one-quarter of all traffic fatalities).  While alcohol-impaired drivers remain a concern, a growing problem involves drug-impaired drivers; people whose ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is compromised by legal or illegal drugs including prescription and over-the-counter medications.  
 
𝗧𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝘀:

• 5,223 police officers trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) to help detect and remove impaired drivers from the roadways;
• 310 highly-trained Drug Recognition Experts; among the most in the nation;
• 23 multi-jurisdictional high-visibility enforcement task forces operating throughout the year, across the state.

𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:

• If you plan to drink, identify a sober designated driver or find a safe alternative way home.  Never allow someone to get behind the wheel impaired.
• Protect yourself and your passengers every time you travel. Ensure everyone is buckled up. Watch your  speed and eliminate distractions.
• If you suspect a driver is impaired, call 911.  Provide as much detail as possible on the driver, vehicle and location.
• Download the free “Drive Sober” mobile app from the WisDOT website.  The app includes a “find a ride” feature to help locate mass transit and taxi services.
• Some taverns and restaurants have programs to provide patrons a safe ride home. 

“Drivers impaired by alcohol or other drugs risk the safety of everyone along our roadways,” Sergeant Quamme said.  “Our goal is to help ensure all travelers reach their destinations safely.”
 
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁: 
Sgt. Jessica Quamme, Middleton Police 608-824-7300
Sgt. Jaime Weitzel, Shorewood Hills Police 608-267-1110
Lt. Rob Beaudette, Waunakee Police 608-849-4523