Letter: Looking for drunk drivers

Dear Editor,

Drunken drivers cause thousands of tragic traffic crashes in Wisconsin each year that devastate families and whole communities. Last year, 337 people were killed and 5,552 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in Wisconsin.

That’s why North Hudson PD will be out in force from Aug. 15 through Labor Day as part of a nationwide crackdown on impaired drivers called “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.”

Our message to drivers is simple: No matter what you drive — a passenger car, pick-up truck, commercial motor vehicle, sport utility vehicle or motorcycle — if we stop you and you’re driving while impaired, we will arrest you without exceptions.

Drunken driving is entirely preventable, but all too many people make the irresponsible decision to risk their lives and the lives of others by getting behind the wheel while impaired. Wisconsin has the shameful distinction of having the highest rate of drunken driving in the nation. In a recent federal government survey, 26 percent of Wisconsin adults admitted they had driven while under the influence of alcohol in the past year.

Drunken driving is too prevalent and too deadly to ignore. That’s why we’ll be patrolling in greater numbers and for longer hours during the “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” crackdown. We also will remain vigilant throughout the year in our efforts to save lives by combating drunken driving.

Sgt. Mark Volz, North Hudson

North Hudson Police Department

Tags: opinion, hudson, letter, drunk_drivers, enforcement