According to a 2008 government report, Wisconsin has the worst drunk driving rates in the nation, with 15% of all drivers having been reported for the crime in 2007. While this number is indeed staggering, it is even more shocking that a federal government estimate states that 25% of all drivers had driven drunk at least once during 2007 without being caught. Now, after years of leniency, the state of Wisconsin has decided that enough is enough, taking legislative baby steps towards a complete crackdown on drunk driving.

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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