Area law enforcement departments join Booze and Belts effort against drunk driving

Photo by Antonio J. Sanchez via stock.xchng

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, Twin Lakes Police Department and Silver Lake Police Department will join with law enforcement agencies across the state during December for the annual Booze and Belts campaign.

The Booze and Belts campaign runs from Dec. 7 through 16. During Booze and Belts and throughout the year, law enforcement agencies are cracking down on impaired and unbuckled motorists. Last year in Wisconsin, there were approximately 35,000 convictions for drunken driving and nearly 85,000 convictions for failure to fasten safety belts. Sheriff’s deputies will have an additional 240 hours of patrol time to apprehend violators during the campaign.

Said Sheriff David Beth:

Having a family member or friend injured or killed in a car crash is always tragic, but it is especially hurtful around the holidays. With so many holiday parties at this time of year, it is necessary to remind people to drink responsibly. That is why the Sheriff’s Department will be putting extra effort into finding and arresting those who choose to drink and drive.”

Said Lt. Dennis Linn, Twin Lakes PD:

Fatal and serious injury traffic crashes can turn a joyous holiday season into a time of tragedy. To prevent these needless tragedies, our officers will be out in force during the Booze and Belts mobilization. While patrolling in greater numbers and for longer hours, they will arrest drunken drivers and ticket unbuckled motorists.”

Said Chief Dan Kingsley, Silver Lake PD:

“If you drive drunk, you are seriously jeopardizing your life and the lives of others on the road. Even if you’re lucky enough to avoid a crash, you still are risking an arrest that will cause humiliation, huge fines, and possible jail time and having to install an ignition interlock device on every vehicle you own, have registered in your name, or drive. We also take safety belt enforcement seriously. Too many drivers and passengers are seriously injured or killed while being ejected from their vehicles or tossed around violently inside them during a crash.”