State lawmakers are facing increased pressure to crack down on repeat drunk drivers in Wisconsin, and Governor Jim Doyle says he'll support at least some of the proposals they're expected to offer.
The Governor says people need to understand that getting behind the wheel while intoxicated is an extremely dangerous thing that puts a lot of people at risk.
Among the changes Doyle says he will back is making third offense drunk driving a felony, despite some calls to increase the penalty for first time offenders. Rather, the Governor says the first offense should be treated as a wake up call, with jail time for the second offense and harsher penalties beyond that.
Doyle says allowing police to set up sobriety checkpoints would also help. He says such a tool will require strict guidelines, but it could help police catch drunk drivers more easily.
The Governor also supports requiring ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders, which prevent a car from starting if the driver has been drinking.
