Extra deputies seek to deter drunk drivers

By Robert Cloud

Waupaca County deputies will be on patrol for drunken drivers on Labor Day weekend.

They are wrapping up the final days of a statewide campaign called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

They are also trying to prevent deaths and injuries from alcohol-related crashes.

“Whether it’s caused by alcohol or any combination of legal or illegal drugs, impaired drivers endanger everyone along our roadways,” according to Capt. Todd Rasmussen with the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office. “During the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative, our officers will patrol in greater numbers and for longer hours to prevent impaired drivers from killing or injuring themselves or someone else.”

Last year, alcohol-related crashes resulted in 161 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries.

Rasmussen said deputies responded to 20 alcohol-related crashes from January through July of this year.

Three of those crashes resulted in fatalities.

In 2017, deputies made 162 OWI arrests.

Between January and July of 2018, they made 115 OWI arrests.

The Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office has 25 patrol officers and sergeants responsible for patrolling more than 2,200 lane miles of roadway in Waupaca County.

Rasmussen said deputies are also working with other municipal police departments as part of a task force to increase the number of officers on patrol throughout the county.

A $60,000 state grant has paid for the additional officers and overtime since October 2017.

In a nine-month period after the county was awarded the grant, a total of 556 citations were issued.

Of that total, 23 were OWI citations, 64 were for operating after revocation, six were for open intoxicants and 65 were for not wearing safety belts.

Other citations were for speeding, vehicle registration and other violations.

Rasmussen, who has been with the sheriff’s office since 1995, said he has found from experience that there are three things that often contribute to fatal crashes: speeding, no seat belts and intoxicants.

The task force’s goal is not just to arrest drunken drivers, but to deter unsafe driving and prevent tragedies on the road.

Rasmussen urges motorists to make responsible choices before getting behind the wheel.

People who plan to celebrate on Labor Day should make sure there is a designated driver who does not drink that day.

Those who need a ride should call a taxi service or ask a friend for a ride home.

Rasmussen said drivers who see erratic vehicles on the road should call 911 and provide information about the location, the vehicle and the driver.