According to reports, meetings have been ongoing since first of December between police officials and other state authorities. Insiders say meetings focus on seeking projects that will utilize the funds provided by the Underage Drinking Laws grant and will significantly reduce rates of underage drunk driving. Planned projects include seminars, youth oriented projects, sports activities, and many others.

State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer, said in a recent interview that enforcement of activities to lessen drunk driving among the youth must be held together with a series of information campaigns to make people completely aware of the hazards involved in underage drinking. Commissioner Brewer adds that people neglect that. While teenage drinking is already dangerous, the real hazard comes in when drunk young drivers go behind the wheel.

Reports compiled by the Administrative Office of the Courts in Kentucky show that last year, there were 3,067 DUI arrests for teen drivers between ages of 16 and 19. Insurance insiders say that the number of DUI cases in Kentucky constitutes approximately 36% of the total insurance claims in the state. With the already high car insurance premiums for young drivers, claims for DUI caused collisions triggered further hikes in premium rates.

Data from the Insurance Information Institute reveal that more drivers under the age of 20 drive after drinking as compared to more mature motorists. Experts say that young motorists in Kentucky are more susceptible to drinking without regard to the fact that they need to drive home. Insurance companies are worried that if nothing is done to remedy the current issues on drunk driving; insurance costs may increase in the years to come making it more difficult for consumers to afford them.

According to local motorist groups, they are taking part of the regular meetings conducted by state police officials and are very happy that the local government is now taking action regarding this said predicament.

Final reports from state officials will be released on January 15 for final review and possible implementation.

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Yesterday, Wisconsin lawmakers passed a bill which will make drunk driving a felony on the fourth offence, one offense less than the previous law stated. While this differs greatly from other states in which drunken driving breeds criminal penalties, it is just the first step in what will be a long climb. First offenses are still only considered crimes if a person who is under the age of 16 is in the car, and the bill also allows second- and third-time offenders to reduce their sentence by undergoing rehabilitation.

Having once been home to the breweries of some of the most popular beers, such as Miller and Pabst, Wisconsin has always seemed to have a very relaxed attitude about drinking. The citys Tavern League represents over 10 000 bars and restaurants, and is a very powerful influence when lobbying.

Even with these new regulations and laws, Wisconsin still remains one of the most complaisant states when it comes to the issue of drunk driving. In almost half of the states, drunk driving is a felony on the third offense. In five other states, it can be considered a felony on the first offense depending on various factors.

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