Groundbreaking Legislation Will Strengthen Wisconsin's Drunk Driving Laws

MADISON, Wis., June 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mothers Against DrunkDriving (MADD) joined state Rep. Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis) Thursday toannounce a critical piece of anti-drunk driving legislation. Sponsored by Rep.Staskunas, the bill requires convicted drunk drivers to install an alcoholignition interlock on their vehicles as a condition of probation. This proventechnology would be required for everyone with a previous drunk drivingconviction and for anyone convicted of driving with a blood alcoholconcentration (BAC) of .16 or above.

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'Drunk driving is a serious threat to the safety and well-being ofeveryone in Wisconsin - a threat that this legislation requiring interlocksfor convicted drunk drivers will significantly reduce,' RepresentativeStaskunas said. 'By stopping these drivers from re-committing their crimes,we'll be saving lives and preventing countless injuries.'

In 2006, 305 people were killed in drunk driving crashes - 42 percent ofall traffic fatalities - and more than 5,600 people were injured inalcohol-related crashes. Equally sobering statistics indicate the average BACof drunk drivers in Wisconsin is a staggering .17 - more than twice the legallimit of .08.

'Wisconsin has the regrettable distinction of being ranked as the worststate in the country when it comes to the number of drunk driving fatalities,'Kari Kinnard, executive director of MADD Wisconsin, said. 'We need to continuetreating this serious crime as a fully preventable one - the technology andresources to save lives in Wisconsin exist and need to be put to full use.'

The alcohol ignition interlock, a breath test device linked to a vehicle'signition system, is up to 90 percent effective in preventing repeat offensesby convicted drunk drivers while installed on the vehicle. When a driverwishes to start his or her vehicle, he or she must first blow into the device,but the vehicle will not start if the driver has alcohol in his or her system.Current Wisconsin law does not require interlocks for convicted drunk drivers,but judges have the option to require interlocks upon a second OWI offense.

Studies estimate that 50 to 75 percent of drunk drivers whose licenses aresuspended continue to drive. And research shows that those convicted of drunkdriving for the first time have driven drunk more than 87 times before theirfirst arrest. This is why alcohol ignition interlocks for all convicted drunkdrivers, even those facing their first conviction, is one of the four elementsof MADD Wisconsin's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.

To raise awareness and rally support from citizens, MADD Wisconsinrecently launched a petition calling on state lawmakers to strengthenpenalties for all convicted drunk drivers. The petition -http://support.madd.org/pledgeWI .

MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of thisviolent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD is a 501 (c) (3) charitywith 2 million members and supporters nationwide. Founded in 1980, MADD hashelped save more than 330,000 lives. For more information, visitwww.madd.org .

SOURCE Mothers Against Drunk Driving