Drinking and Driving? There's An App For That

Wisconsin loves to party. But statistically binge drinking has taken a toll on our health, our lives and our wallets, according to a study from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

In an effort to keep those who drink from getting behind the wheel, the Wisconsin DOT has launched the “Driving Sober” app, which officials hope will prevent drunken driving arrests and crashes.

“Last year during the St. Patrick’s holiday weekend, March 16 to 18, four people died in Wisconsin traffic crashes. This year, if drivers always designate before they celebrate and never get behind the wheel while impaired, we could attain zero traffic deaths,” says State Patrol Maj. Sandra Huxtable, director of the DOT's Bureau of Transportation Safety. “By downloading the new Drive Sober app, motorists can help prevent drunken driving crashes that devastate individuals, families and entire communities.”

The app includes:

• A blood alcohol estimator.
• A designated driver selector.
• A function to find a safe ride home that uses the phone’s GPS to provide contacts for nearby taxi, mass transit and designated-driver services
• Impairment goggles that show the physical effects of increased alcohol levels.
• Video clips of Wisconsin’s top skateboarders, BMX bikers, snowboarders and snowmobilers performing amazing stunts as seen in the Zero In Wisconsin TV messages.