Media Release

Drivers who get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while impaired are a danger to themselves, their passengers, and everyone else along our highways.  That’s why the Middleton Police Department will join law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin for the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign from August 17 through Labor Day on September 3. 

Last year in Wisconsin, alcohol-related crashes resulted in 161 deaths and over 3,000 injuries.  While alcohol-impaired driving remains a significant concern, Wisconsin and many other states see a growing problem with drugged driving – people whose ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is compromised by any combination of legal or illegal drugs including prescription and over-the-counter medications.  To help address this challenge, Wisconsin’s law enforcement community is taking several steps:

• There are currently 25 multi-jurisdictional, high-visibility OWI enforcement task forces operating across the state
• To identify and remove impaired drivers from our roadways, nearly 3,800 Wisconsin law enforcement officers have been trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) 
• To assist with drug-related law enforcement, Wisconsin has 276 highly-trained Drug Recognition Experts - among the most in the nation

The public must be involved as well. If you see a driver that you suspect is impaired, call 911 and provide as much detail as you can.  Never allow someone else to make the dangerous decision to drive impaired.  Your actions could save their life or others.

Abide by our traffic laws.  That means buckle up, set aside the phone, watch your speed, and always be patient, alert and sober behind the wheel. 

During “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” - and throughout the year - our goal is to make our roadways as safe as possible for everyone. 

Contact Information: 
Sergeant Jessica Quamme 
Patrol Supervisor 
608-824-7331 
jquamme@cityofmiddleton.us