Tougher OWI laws can save lives
In May 2014, I and one of my best friends were added to the state's drunken driving statistics. I received my third operating while intoxicated charge, 11 years in prison and seven years of extended supervision. My lifelong friend was not so lucky. He was one of the many deaths that occur each year in Wisconsin.
I couldn't agree more with Rep. Andre Jacque, R-De Pere, that more needs to be done to address drunken driving. After my second offense, I was ordered to 30 days in jail and treatment. I fulfilled my requirement with no objection. I believe if I would have had a stricter punishment and better treatment, I would have changed my habits and prevented the death of my friend.
As some point I would like to see the taxes raised, more awareness of alcoholism, and more devices installed that prevent a vehicle from being started unless the driver is sober. It only takes one bad decision for someone's life to be changed forever. It is my hope that one or all of these ideas can prevent someone from making a mistake they will have to live with forever.
Matthew J. Steinhorst, Baraboo, Wisconsin State Journal letter to the editor