Reminder for Drunk Driving

Mothers Against Drunk Drivinghasa report rating the nation as a whole, along with each state, on its progress in implementing proven drunk driving countermeasures. On a five-star scale, both the nation and Wisconsin earned a three-star, indicating a need for increased effort.

The state statistics show Wisconsin ranked 41, a low rating based on the percentage of total traffic deaths DUI related in each state, with 1 having the lowest percentage of DUI related deaths and 51 as having the highest.

Wisconsin is the only state witha first drunk driving offense just a traffic ticket not a crime.In 2009, the state made improvements to the DUI law by requiring interlocks for first time convicted offenders with a BAC of .15 or greater. MADD is working to require ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, to legalize sobriety checkpoints and to make a first offense a misdemeanor.

"Wisconsin's three-star rating provides an important indicator of where the state stands in its efforts to eliminate drunk driving," said MADD Wisconsin Public Policy Liaison John Vose. "Because we would like to see Wisconsin move towards a five-star rating, MADD calls on lawmakers to enact legislation requiring all convicted drunk drivers to use an ignition interlock and legalize sobriety checkpoints."

Launched in 2006, the campaign provides three key steps to eliminating this primacy public health threat once and for all, including supporting law enforcement, requiring convicted drunk drivers to "blow before they go" with an ignition interlock, and turning cars into the cure for drunk driving through the development of advanced and seamless in-vehicle technology.

In Wisconsin the interlock law requires the device for repeat offenders as well as first-time offenders with a BAC of .15 or greater and for those refusing to submit to a breath test. Prior to the implementation of the interlock law in July 2010, only 1,195 were installed in Wisconsin. As of July 2011, 7,824 interlocks have been installed.

"It is only appropriate that we shine a light on Wisconsin's drunk driving problem during the time of year when drunk driving crashes are most prevalent," added Jagdfeld. "MADD urges residents to be extra vigilant about planning ahead for a safe way home when holiday festivities include alcohol."