Many Wisconsinites are still reeling from the loss that took the Packers out of the running for the Super Bowl. In spite of this, many of us will likely be watching the game this weekend. As they do every year, law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin are already making their own Super Bowl plans, but their focus is not a television screen.
Super Bowl Sunday is traditionally one of the biggest drinking days of the year. It should come as little surprise, then, that the day is also associated with a spike in driving arrests and alcohol-related crashes. The Wisconsin State Patrol is warning drivers that OWI enforcement this year will be vigorous.
According to a representative for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Last year, there were zero traffic fatalities in Wisconsin on Super Bowl Sunday, and that is our goal again this year. This is a rare and noteworthy statistic. Most states see a spike in traffic fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday, usually including Wisconsin.
WisDOT is also reminding drivers that they can download the Zero In Wisconsin Drive Sober smartphone app for free. The app includes a feature that allows users to estimate their blood-alcohol concentration, likely based on the number of drinks consumed and body weight. More importantly, the app has a Find a Ride feature to help Super Bowl partiers to arrange a sober ride home.
Regardless of where and how you & all be watching the game this weekend, please be safe and responsible. And remember that during periods of increased OWI enforcement, there are numerous opportunities for police officers to make mistakes and to become overzealous. As such, if you find yourself facing drunk driving charges, please seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Source: Northland News Center, Wisconsin State Patrol says fans shouldn’t let friends drive drunk, Krystal Frasier, Jan. 28, 2015