Summer festival season prompts OWI Task Force crackdown: "You don't want to be behind bars"

MILWAUKEE -- A total of 35 area law enforcement agencies are putting drivers on notice: don't drink and drive or you will be caught.

On Saturday, June 25th officers from multiple departments met at the State Fair Park to kick off their pre-Summerfest OWI Task Force deployment. The group includes departments from Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties.

Milwaukee seems to come alive this time of year. With festivals every weekend, there's no shortage of things to do. But all that fun has a dark underbelly.

"This is the time of year for drinking and driving," said Officer Michael Bachmann, Milwaukee Police Department.

Summerfest may be the crown jewel of the season's festivals and as it rapidly approaches, area law enforcers are stepping up their efforts to catch those who put their own fun ahead of others' safety.

"If you think you're not impaired, chances are you probably are," said Officer Bachmann.

If you don't want to have an OWI on your record, find another way home.

"Call Uber, call a taxi, call a friend -- you don't want to be behind bars," said Bachmann.

Also keep in mind that alcohol is not the only impairment that could land you in the back of a squad car.

"It also goes for smoking weed, taking prescription medication," said Bachmann.

Law enforcers say go, have fun at summer's celebrations but make a responsible choice about how you're getting home -- and if you see someone else driving under the influence, report it.

"If you see someone that you feel is impaired, call the police don't put yourself in danger," said Bachmann.

FOX6 News is told the group will likely continue the OWI Task Force through all of Summerfest.