During the Christmas and New Year holiday periods, Wisconsin often sees a rise in drunk-driving fatalities. As a result, you'll see more law enforcement on the roads.

The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign begins on Friday, December 12 and runs through January 1, 2026.

Washington County Sheriff Marty Schulteis told WTKM News that their deputies want to avoid any tragedies.

"We will have increased patrols out during the holiday season. We will be watching for aggressive driving, and impaired driving. The goal for us is to alleviate any tragedies."  

Law enforcement agencies and the Wisconsin State Patrol will work extra patrols.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving claims the life of one person nationwide every 39 minutes.

There were more than 18,000 Operating While Intoxicated convictions in Wisconsin last year. OWI convictions can cost around $10,000, including fines, court costs, attorney fees, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing and repairs, and more.