Two local lawmakers are looking to crack down on drunk driving in the state
Published: January 31, 2015, 11:30 am
Updated: January 31, 2015, 7:09 pm
With this bipartisan legislation, it could be five strikes and you’re out.
Many initiatives have started in recent years to combat drunk drivers on our road like the formation of OWI Task Forces in several counties.
“We’ve made some real gains I think as far as safety is concerned. This last year has been once of the safest we’ve seen in over 70 years. Alcohol related fatalities are drastically down over the last ten years, but we can do more,” said Representative Eric Genrich.
That’s why Genrich, a democrat from Green Bay is working with republican representative Andre Jacque on new legislation.
“Our intent here is to say enough is enough. I think all common sense, people who have common sense when they see five OWIs, I think their response to it is say these individuals have obviously demonstrated really a lack of responsibility in regards to others’ safety on our roads,” explained Rep. Genrich.
If someone’s driver’s license is revoked after a fifth offense, they can apply to get it back after ten years following a drug and alcohol assessment under a provision in the legislation.
The two lawmakers say this is a good staring point, but still more can be done.
“I don’t think anyone should think that we should be patting ourselves on the back if we get this done. I think that’s always the charge we have as legislators is to keep moving the ball in the right direction,” added Rep. Jacque.
So far, Rep. Jacque says he’s getting good feedback.
“I haven’t run into any opposition at this point from any established groups that lobby legislature or my colleagues. I’d be introducing it whether it had opposition or not,” he said. Right now the legislation is still in the drafting stages, but is expected to be introduced within a month.