For years the drunk driving laws in Wisconsin have been far too weak. Time after time we read about habitual drunken drivers killing innocent people. The tragic death of Jennifer Bukosky and her two children may have finally been the last straw. State Legislators are calling for stricter penalties for 3rd offense drunk drivers.
Many years ago, I was arrested for DUI. It was one of the biggest life altering experiences of my life. The consensus seems to be that everyone can make a "mistake", but after that you should know better. For me it was not a “mistake”; I did it knowingly. I paid the penalties, rode the bus for a year, learned from the "mistake", and moved on with my life. I have known a few people over the last 25 years that have been arrested for DUI. The majority truely did regret what happened and make a great effort not to repeat. From my own personal experience I understand that those that don't "get it" after the first time, probably never will. Those that don’t “get it” after the 2nd or 3rd offense, will likely keep driving until they maim or kill. Repeat offenders are the most guilty of all. After all, they are experienced at this, and fully understand what they are doing is wrong. They make a conscious decision to risk innocent lives.
While staying out of town last week, I stopped at the hotel lounge. I witnessed several local men drinking until they were so drunk, they could barely talk or walk. The bartender kindly reminded them to “watch out for the police”. I hardly think this is an isolated event. It unfortunately happens every day in every city.
Legislators are proposing making the 3rd offense a felony. They also propose confiscating the offender’s vehicle for the 3rd offense. This is a great start but it does not go far enough. For starters, revoking a driver license has virtually zero impact on the repeaters. Here are some suggestions:
· 1st offense. Penalties stay the same as they are. Except, all vehicle registrations in the offenders name are revoked, and plates are confiscated. This will significantly reduce the chance of driving. After the license revocation period, mandatory alcohol sensors should be installed in the vehicle of the offender and the offenders spouse’s vehicle for a period of at least one year.
· 2nd offense. In addition to the above, there should be much stiffer financial penalties, and mandatory jail time. Special license plates should be required on vehicles titles in the offenders name, that warn other drivers.
· 3rd offense. Mandatory 3 years minimum prison time. Confiscation of vehicle.
· 4th offense. Life in prison. These people are hopeless and will eventually kill.
The fear of prison, or having a vehicle confiscated will prevent most from repeating. For those that continue to repeat, we need to have laws that make further repeat offenses impossible. It’s time to get tough with this issue before more innocent people are needlessly killed.
