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Wisconsin is widely admired and respected for offering a high quality of life.  But we also are notorious for the shameful distinction of having a huge problem with drunken driving.  In 2009, there were approximately 45,000 drunken driving convictions in Wisconsin-and they were not victimless crimes. Alcohol-related traffic crashes in Wisconsin last year killed 238 people and injured nearly 3,800.

To get drunken drivers off our roads, hundreds of law enforcement agencies from all over Wisconsin will be out in force. Over the Limit. Under Arrest." crackdown. During the crackdown, officers will be patrolling for longer hours and in greater numbers to combat drunken driving. And when officers stop drunken drivers, they will arrest them - no exceptions, no warnings and no second chances.

Drivers should also take heed of a new state law that significantly increases jail time for many operating while intoxicated (OWI) offenses. In addition, the new law requires first-offense OWI drivers who were convicted with a blood or breath alcohol level of .15 or higher and all repeat drunken drivers to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on every vehicle they own or have registered in their name. An IID makes convicted drunken drivers prove they're sober before they can start their vehicle.

Responsible citizens can help prevent drunken driving by serving as a designated driver. And if you see a drunken driver on the road, call your local law enforcement agency or dial 911. With everyone's help, we can stop the senseless devastation caused by drunken driving and make progress toward the goal of reducing the number of preventable traffic deaths to "Zero in Wisconsin."

Frank Busalacchi

Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation