Law enforcement cracking down during "Booze and Belts" campaign

WISCONSIN -- To prevent serious traffic crashes during the upcoming holiday season, law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin will mobilize for the “Booze and Belts” campaign from December 7th to December 16th. 

Last December, there were more than 11,000 traffic crashes in Wisconsin, which caused 51 deaths and more than 3,500 injuries, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. 

During Booze and Belts, law enforcement agencies will be cracking down on impaired and unbuckled motorists to make progress toward the goal of reducing the number of preventable traffic deaths to zero in Wisconsin. 

Law enforcement officers also will be on the lookout for unbelted drivers and passengers during Booze and Belts. In 2011, there were nearly 85,000 convictions in Wisconsin for failure to fasten safety belts, which was the second most frequent traffic conviction.

“Although deaths and injuries from traffic crashes devastate individuals, families and entire communities throughout the year, they seem to be even more tragic during the holiday season. For all of us, the best gift we can give our loved ones is to ensure they come together to celebrate the holidays rather than mourn a needless injury or death," State Patrol Major Sandra Huxtable said.