According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, from 1998 to 2008 the number of peopled killed in drunken driving crashes in Wisconsin totaled 3,196. In that same period, over 67,588 people were injured in alcohol-related crashes.

Assembly Bill 283 was introduced by Rep. Tony Staskunas and passed the Wisconsin Assembly 95 to 0 on Sept. 17. We at the HOPE Council believe this legislation will help reform Wisconsin’s Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) law and save lives.

An important component of this bill includes a requirement for ignition interlocks for repeat offenders and for first-time convicted drunk drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or greater. AB 283 is a comprehensive measure relating to OWI reform. We urge support of Assembly Bill 283. This legislation will help save lives, prevent injuries and reform Wisconsin’s OWI law.

Guida Brown, Executive Director

HOPE Council