Unfortunately, communities and families all over Wisconsin have been victims of repeat drunk drivers. Recent tragic accidents and coverage in the news have prompted legislators to consider changes to Wisconsin laws, which currently do not require a felony charge until the fifth offense for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The governor and other legislators, including me, have stated that a third OWI offense should be a felony charge. These changes are needed and I expect they will be a part of early session in 2009.
All too often, those who are involved in accidents that cause serious injuries and death are repeat drunk driving offenders. Making a third OWI offense a felony should serve as a deterrent for repeat offenders. Serious jail and prison time should have an effect on drivers who continue to take other lives in their hands by drinking and driving.
In addition, as a greater community we should examine our culture of drinking in Wisconsin. The work of groups like MADD, schools, and local law enforcement can help address the problem of excessive drinking in Wisconsin, but ultimately we all have to be accountable to ourselves and our communities by choosing not to drink and drive. Additionally, we know when our friends are drunk, and we should stop them from getting behind the wheel.
With Wisconsin ranked as the worst in the country for the number of alcohol-related fatalities - 42 percent of all traffic fatalities involve a drunk driver - something must be done to improve these negative outcomes. As legislators we need to think about additional strategies to combat this significant public health risk.
I would welcome your thoughts and comments as we consider legislative items that may be a part of the early session in 2009. How to address the problem of drinking and driving in Wisconsin, including repeat offenders, continues to be a challenge for the people of Wisconsin and those of us elected to represent them. Contact my office at (608) 266-6670 or (888) 549-0027.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, represents the 27th Senate District, which includes Green County and portions of Dane, Rock and Lafayette counties.
All too often, those who are involved in accidents that cause serious injuries and death are repeat drunk driving offenders. Making a third OWI offense a felony should serve as a deterrent for repeat offenders. Serious jail and prison time should have an effect on drivers who continue to take other lives in their hands by drinking and driving.
In addition, as a greater community we should examine our culture of drinking in Wisconsin. The work of groups like MADD, schools, and local law enforcement can help address the problem of excessive drinking in Wisconsin, but ultimately we all have to be accountable to ourselves and our communities by choosing not to drink and drive. Additionally, we know when our friends are drunk, and we should stop them from getting behind the wheel.
With Wisconsin ranked as the worst in the country for the number of alcohol-related fatalities - 42 percent of all traffic fatalities involve a drunk driver - something must be done to improve these negative outcomes. As legislators we need to think about additional strategies to combat this significant public health risk.
I would welcome your thoughts and comments as we consider legislative items that may be a part of the early session in 2009. How to address the problem of drinking and driving in Wisconsin, including repeat offenders, continues to be a challenge for the people of Wisconsin and those of us elected to represent them. Contact my office at (608) 266-6670 or (888) 549-0027.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, represents the 27th Senate District, which includes Green County and portions of Dane, Rock and Lafayette counties.
