La Crosse, WI – As Thanksgiving travel ramps up across Wisconsin, the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office is urging drivers to plan ahead for a sober ride home. The department shared a reminder Wednesday that “buzzed driving is drunk driving,” stressing that even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction time.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the most dangerous periods for impaired driving crashes nationwide. Local deputies say they will be increasing patrols and OWI enforcement throughout the weekend to keep roads safe.
“Drinking and driving is a recipe for disaster,” the sheriff’s office said in its safety post. “Plan ahead for a sober ride — you’ll be thankful for it.”
Officials recommend designating a sober driver, using a rideshare service, or arranging transportation in advance before attending Thanksgiving gatherings. Drivers convicted of operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin face fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
Residents are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911 immediately.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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