Drunk driving is a no-no? Nobody told Wisconsin.
10/1/2009
By Solomon Gustavo
Drunk driving is not good. I thought I might start with that in case there was any confusion. I think that the Wisconsin State Assembly would recognize that fact, but barely.
This past September that same assembly unanimously passed a bill that makes the offense of drunk driving a felony after the 4th offense if that last offense occurs within a year of the most recent offense.
That’s the new bill, the update on the current lenient law. The current law makes the 5th offense a felony. From 5 strikes to 4.
Driving over the legal limit of 0.08 for blood alcohol content is so unbelievably stupid and so incredibly dangerous, that waiting until the fourth strike is just not practical. I sure hope that leniency is not the point here, especially since 41% of the state’s traffic deaths are alcohol related, up from the national average of 37%.
This decision is a slap in the face to everyone that has felt the ripple effects of an alcohol-related crash. To suggest that this bill will truly make a dent in drunk driving statistics is not only a stretch, it painfully shows the state’s priority.
Which is, apparently, beer.
It’s not surprising from a state that cheers when hearing the phrase “Brew Crew.” The same state that either used to be or is currently the home of beer brewers Miller, Blatz, Schlitz and Pabst. Yes, jobs and any economic stimulus that the state receives from its infatuation with ale and being the home to breweries are appreciated; but, really, beer?
Enthusiasm for hops and barley is evident, but it should not be a deterrent in keeping the state’s roads safe.
Wisconsinites, have your beer, but don’t drive. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Not in this scenario.
The Wisconsin State Assembly is attempting to stall, passing a dummy bill to try and seem less lenient. If anything, this shone a light on the issue.
Without saying, much more serious consequences are needed for drunk driving in Wisconsin.
I need a drink (and not drive).
This past September that same assembly unanimously passed a bill that makes the offense of drunk driving a felony after the 4th offense if that last offense occurs within a year of the most recent offense.
That’s the new bill, the update on the current lenient law. The current law makes the 5th offense a felony. From 5 strikes to 4.
Driving over the legal limit of 0.08 for blood alcohol content is so unbelievably stupid and so incredibly dangerous, that waiting until the fourth strike is just not practical. I sure hope that leniency is not the point here, especially since 41% of the state’s traffic deaths are alcohol related, up from the national average of 37%.
This decision is a slap in the face to everyone that has felt the ripple effects of an alcohol-related crash. To suggest that this bill will truly make a dent in drunk driving statistics is not only a stretch, it painfully shows the state’s priority.
Which is, apparently, beer.
It’s not surprising from a state that cheers when hearing the phrase “Brew Crew.” The same state that either used to be or is currently the home of beer brewers Miller, Blatz, Schlitz and Pabst. Yes, jobs and any economic stimulus that the state receives from its infatuation with ale and being the home to breweries are appreciated; but, really, beer?
Enthusiasm for hops and barley is evident, but it should not be a deterrent in keeping the state’s roads safe.
Wisconsinites, have your beer, but don’t drive. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Not in this scenario.
The Wisconsin State Assembly is attempting to stall, passing a dummy bill to try and seem less lenient. If anything, this shone a light on the issue.
Without saying, much more serious consequences are needed for drunk driving in Wisconsin.
I need a drink (and not drive).