Every year there are over 100,000 motor vehicle accidents in Wisconsin. Motor vehicle accidents can have serious consequences that can result in property damage, physical injuries and even fatalities. Because of the serious consequences that automobile accidents can have, it is important that drivers practice safe driving every time that they enter the roadway. Unfortunately, drivers do not always practice safe driving, and it leads to an increased likelihood of being involved in an accident. One dangerous driving behavior that puts everyone on the roadway at risk is driving under the influence. Recently, an incident occurred in Washington County in which a driver was suspected of driving under the influence.

The incident occurred on December 5, 2020 around 1:30 pm. A Wisconsin state trooper was on patrol when he observed a vehicle cross the center line. The law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop. When the law enforcement officer approached the vehicle, he observed the driver showing signs of impairment. The officer performed a field sobriety test on the driver. The driver was subsequently arrested for operating while intoxicated. If the driver is convicted of operating while under the influence, it would be the driver’s eighth conviction for the offense. Thankfully, there was no automobile accident and no one was injured.

Driving under the influence is a highly dangerous action. Driving while under the influence can slow a driver’s reaction time, reduce coordination, reduce concentration, decrease vision and inhibit judgment. All of these things increase the likelihood that the vehicle will be involved in a motor vehicle accident. Motor vehicle accident can have very serious consequences. Because alcohol impacts skills such as ability to concentrate and quickly react to situations, it increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident. When drivers drink and drive they put not only themselves, but others in danger. Drivers should never get behind the wheel after they have been drinking.