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A few weeks ago, a group of Wisconsin lawmakers, amid the growing demands to deal more effectively with drunken driving violators, endorsed a proposal forcing certain first-time and repeat DUI offenders to install ignition interlock systems in their vehicles. These systems, once added, make it impossible for the perpetrator to start their car unless their blood-alcohol levels are around (typically) 0.03 or less. Although it is great to see lawmakers take action to toughen the rather weak DUI laws, their efforts to impose this interlock law are pointless. Instead, they should be focusing on other solutions. More severe penalties, suspended driver’s licenses and alcohol awareness programs targeting youth would be a more effective means of curbing drunken driving in the state than these ignition interlock systems.
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The number of deaths from snowmobile accidents is significantly higher in Wisconsin than in neighboring states, and Department of Natural Resources safety wardens say the majority of those accidents involve alcohol.

In Wisconsin, one out of every 5,800 snowmobilers is killed during the winter. Compare that to one out of 18,000 snowmobilers in Minnesota and one out of 16,000 in Michigan.

Safety wardens say the difference is much stricter alcohol laws in those neighboring states.

An online petition started by an Eagle River-area resident seeks to change that, by making OWI citations given to snowmobilers apply to their driving records.

Some area lawmakers offer differing reactions to the idea, but if there is a good time for a change in the law, the upcoming legislative session might be it.

“I think this person’s concerns are very legitimate, and I think they ought to be a part of a larger discussion on drunk driving,” state Representative Tom Nelson said.

But state Senator Alan Lasee, a De Pere Republican, said, “Drinking and driving a snowmobile is very serious, make no mistake about it. I understand that, but attaching it to driving an automobile, I think it’s the wrong way to go.”
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