DOT launches new Drive Sober app

WISCONSIN (WFRV) - Drunk Driving continues to be one of the deadliest crimes in Wisconsin. That's why the DOT is turning to technology to try and curb the problem.

Now you can seek advice from a sober friend that fits in the palm of your hand. The DOT just launched a new smart phone app.

"It's going to be a great tool for safety and it's just another thing for people to get our message of safety out there," said Mike Panosh, Regional Program Manager for the Wisconsin State Patrol. "Hopefully it gets us closer to our Zero in Wisconsin role."

It's part of the DOT's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign. The app offers a blood alcohol estimator, where you enter your gender, weight and number of drinks you've consumed to approximate your BAC. There's also an "Impairment Goggles" feature. And the app uses your phone's GPS system to find the names and phone numbers of local cab companies.

Wisconsin has the highest rate of drunk driving in the nation and the crime claims hundreds of lives every year. Panosh calls the app a unique way to get this important message to a younger demographic.

"Our alcohol culture needs to continue to change," he added. "And I think we're making strong strides in terms of that. But anything we can do, Facebook pages, smart phone apps, all of that can really help because it's a problem that affects us all."

The app is free and available on both the Android and iPhone markets.