One topic that is long overdue for discussion in our state is our outdated drunk driving laws. According to statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), alcohol-related crashes, injuries and fatalities reached a peak around 1979. After that year, the laws were changed and the number of crashes slowly dropped, but have remained relatively constant since 1982.
Currently, Wisconsin has the highest rate of drunk driving in that nation. In fact, more than 42,000 drivers were convicted of drunk driving offenses in 2007. In the same year alcohol-related crashes killed 337 people and injured 5,500 more. This works out to nearly half of all fatal car crashes involving the influence of alcohol.
One thing is certain: Drunk driving in Wisconsin is prevalent, deadly, and is entirely preventable. I feel strongly that we need to take action to crack down on drunk driving by strengthening our outdated laws in Wisconsin.
To that end, I have already added my name as a co-sponsor to legislation being introduced by Rep. Joel Kleefisch, R-Oconomowoc, that would increase penalties for drunk driving. Among other things, the bill would make third-time convictions of operating while intoxicated (OWI) a felony in Wisconsin. Under current state law OWI does not become a felony until a fifth conviction.
Although this bill is only one piece of the puzzle, there have been other ideas mentioned and I believe all ideas need to be on the table for discussion. Other ideas that have been mentioned, but not yet introduced as legislation, include: Ignition interlock devices, sobriety check points, banning late-night drink specials, prohibiting minors from drinking with a parent in taverns, first conviction OWI as a criminal offense, lowering the Blood-Alcohol-Level (BAC) limit, and banning the purchasing of cars for those who have had their license revoked. In the coming weeks, I am open to weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of each idea. In the end, we need to make sure we are strengthening our laws to change the culture of drunk driving in our state.
- State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District.
Currently, Wisconsin has the highest rate of drunk driving in that nation. In fact, more than 42,000 drivers were convicted of drunk driving offenses in 2007. In the same year alcohol-related crashes killed 337 people and injured 5,500 more. This works out to nearly half of all fatal car crashes involving the influence of alcohol.
One thing is certain: Drunk driving in Wisconsin is prevalent, deadly, and is entirely preventable. I feel strongly that we need to take action to crack down on drunk driving by strengthening our outdated laws in Wisconsin.
To that end, I have already added my name as a co-sponsor to legislation being introduced by Rep. Joel Kleefisch, R-Oconomowoc, that would increase penalties for drunk driving. Among other things, the bill would make third-time convictions of operating while intoxicated (OWI) a felony in Wisconsin. Under current state law OWI does not become a felony until a fifth conviction.
Although this bill is only one piece of the puzzle, there have been other ideas mentioned and I believe all ideas need to be on the table for discussion. Other ideas that have been mentioned, but not yet introduced as legislation, include: Ignition interlock devices, sobriety check points, banning late-night drink specials, prohibiting minors from drinking with a parent in taverns, first conviction OWI as a criminal offense, lowering the Blood-Alcohol-Level (BAC) limit, and banning the purchasing of cars for those who have had their license revoked. In the coming weeks, I am open to weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of each idea. In the end, we need to make sure we are strengthening our laws to change the culture of drunk driving in our state.
- State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District.
