Wisconsin Tops Drunk Driving List
Wisconsin Tops Drunk Driving List Save Email Print
Posted: 4:49 AM Apr 23, 2008
Last Updated: 10:52 PM Apr 23, 2008

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Binge drinking and alcoholism are serious concerns in Wisconsin. And now another troubling trend has people living in La Crosse wondering how safe that driver in the next lane might be.

A study done by the federal government shows Wisconsin is number one when it comes to people who admit to driving drunk, and locally police say our numbers aren't very good.

"In 2007 we arrested 510 drunk drivers which was down a little bit from 2006," says La Crosse police captain Robert Abraham.

The number of O.W.I. arrests in La Crosse might be down, but Abraham says we could still do better.

"When you look at 510, that's more than one a day that we're arresting on average."

The report from the Department of Health and Human services shows more than 25% of adults in Wisconsin drive under the influence of alcohol. And that has some people we talked to worried, but not surprised.

"You see a lot of headlines about people getting five DUI's," commented Tripp Evenson.

"It makes me concerned especially for my children. Concerned about safety and the well being of everyone," says Sandy Brauer.

Abraham says if you do decide to drink, public transportation is a good and safe way to get home.

"If you are going to go out and have a few drinks, make arrangements, have a designated driver."

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says alcohol is involved in more than a third of all fatal traffic crashes in the state.

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Posted by: Barbara J. Location: Eau Claire on Apr 24, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Just read Wisconsin Man Arrested On 10th Drunk Driving charge. 10th time. Yes, we sure are the number one state for drunk driving.

Posted by: Kayla Location: Bloomer on Apr 24, 2008 at 01:15 PM
The only thing i have to say is don't punish everybody for something someone does. It was like that in elementary it was like that in high school it's like that now. It's true.. this is wisconsin, we don't live forever.. we drink and have a good time. not all of us are stupid and drive after drinking. I agree with Rose though.. you arrest the drunk drivers and then put them right back out there to do it again and for some reason that's everybodies problem??

Posted by: Barbara Location: Eau Claire on Apr 24, 2008 at 11:38 AM
I don't think that it is dilligent Law Enforcement. Wisconsin is a drinking mentality state. I see it in the attitude of the parents, "kids will be kids" or better that that they drink at home than in the bars.I moved here from another state and believe me it is a drinking mentality state.

Posted by: A mother who cares Location: eau claire on Apr 23, 2008 at 10:19 PM
and the sad part, is some people are proud of this. When will they learn? I think we should punish drinkers caught driving tougher. Why not put them in jail and charge them with attempted murder? It takes murdering someone behind the wheel for them to do anything? Why not stop it before it happens?

Posted by: JOE Location: CAMERON, WI on Apr 23, 2008 at 09:32 PM
If you don't like it move, welcome to what made Wisconsin, BEER, sorry that is the culture there is bar on every corner if you don't like it, goodbye, the laws are getting almost communist, there is law about everything, life is short, enjoy it, and stop trying to change the world, before you know it your short life will be over, I'am not here for a long time, just a good time. drink beer have fun, and be smart, I love beer, good night, life is good, drink my beer at home and if I go out I have a DD, but settle down if you hurt or kill someone you go to prison for a min. of 10 years to life other than that settle down 90% of drinkers are responsible but you judge everybody for the 10-15% that are insane and don't care, that's all signing out, ??? Like this post will ever be posted?lol???

Posted by: Henry Location: EC on Apr 23, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Does anyone know how this information is gathered? If they use arrest records, could we be ranked so high because our law enforcement is more diligent here in the Midwest in charging persons with DWI/OWI? As they say, any given set of numbers can be used to many different ways. Which sounds worse, 1 in 3 or 30%?

Posted by: Rose Location: Eau Claire on Apr 23, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Good Work, WI. Keep on giving intoxicated drivers a slap on the wrist and then send them back out on the road. Don't forget to have samples of alcholic beverages in grocery stores, too.