May 13, 2008

Harsdorf: Lock Up Repeat Drunk Drivers

State Capitol, Madison...On the heels of a deadly crash wherein a three-time repeat drunk driver in Oconomowoc killed a pregnant woman, her unborn baby, and her 10-year old daughter, Governor Jim Doyle called for making a third-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI) a felony. State Senator Sheila Harsdorf of River Falls applauded such a proposed change. Under current law, drunk driving is not a felony until the fifth conviction. 

“Wisconsin drunk driving laws need to be toughened to preserve public safety,” said Harsdorf. “It was discouraging that just a few weeks ago, Wisconsin polled the highest of any state for people that admitted to drunk driving. We need penalties that will match the seriousness of drunk driving.”

Harsdorf has supported and voted for enhanced penalties for repeat drunk drivers in the Legislature. Under the Governor’s proposal, a third-offense felony would enable jail time for offenders in order to get them off the streets. Other measures could include mandatory installation of breathalyzers on offender vehicles. 

“We simply must send a strong message that drinking and driving is not acceptable and those who do so will face appropriate consequences,” said Harsdorf. “Whether it is jail time or using devices that keep those repeat offenders from driving, we must work to keep families and our neighborhoods safe.”