Imagine If OWI Enforcement Were Strict Year-Round

Milwaukee County deputies nearly doubled their OWI arrest total on New Year's Eve/Day to 28, and reported accidents dropped to zero during that same 20-hour period, records show.

Do we think there are twice the number of impaired drivers out on the roads on December 31st, and into the next day?

Probably more, but not double; instead this is an indicator that there can be results from intentional policing to protect motorists from drunk drivers, and to save the lives of impaired drivers, too.

My point is that society is not helpless when it comes to addressing dangers posed by drunken driving.

Stiffer enforcement, tougher laws (criminalizing a first offense) and aggressive alcohol intervention and education can bring about results - - but only if government, organizations and individuals agree that a coordinated and sustained approach is a good and doable thing.