According to the Pacific Institute for Research & Evaluation (PIRE), impaired driving is involved in close to 40% of the motor vehicle accidents that occur on Wisconsin roads. The organization further claims that an impaired motorist drives one out of every 130 miles driven throughout the state. Drunk driving does occur in the state of Wisconsin; however, local law enforcement's focus on incarcerating intoxicated drivers may not be the only way to improve safety conditions on Wisconsin roads and highways.
PIRE estimates that in Wisconsin nearly 80 percent of fatalities in alleged drunk driving accidents failed to wear their seatbelts at the times of their crashes. By toughening and enforcing seat belt laws throughout the state many lives could be saved in car accidents, regardless of whether one party was suspected of impaired driving. The organization also notes that improving regulations on how child car seats are installed could save children's lives during motor vehicle incidents irrespective of the presence of alleged drunk driving.
Further, PIRE found that in Wisconsin individuals accused of repeated drunk driving charges were not significantly deterred from recidivism by broad laws. Rather, the group found that treatment programs, automobile impoundment and house arrest options may be more effective than progressive sentencing for alleged repeat offenders. Those options may also cost the state less and allow accused individuals more freedom.
PIRE's findings suggest that while drunk driving does happen in Wisconsin, the state's laws may not be formed to effectively address suspected instances of impaired driving. Anyone who has been charged with a crime related to alcohol and driving may feel that his situation is unique and not properly addressed by the laws Wisconsin currently has on its books. For those who have questions about their charges, trials and potential penalties, DUI defense attorneys can provide a wealth of information about working through the challenges of impaired driving charges.