MADISON, Wis., Nov 16, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A Wisconsin group says it is
trying to change state laws to help improve the state's ranking in binge
drinking and drunken driving.
Dr. Robert N. Golden, dean of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and
Public Health, said his group is hoping to help push Wisconsin from the top tier
of surveys grading the prevalence of dangerous alcohol use, The New York Times
reported Sunday.
"Our goal is to dramatically change the laws, culture and behaviors in
Wisconsin," said Golden, whose school is leading All-Wisconsin Alcohol Risk
Education's efforts.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found Wisconsin residents are more
likely to drive while intoxicated than individuals in any other U.S. state.
The Upper Midwestern state also routinely ranks at the top of Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention surveys regarding the prevalence of binge
drinking, when a man has five alcoholic drinks in a sitting or a woman has four.
The Times said current state laws only make a drunken driving incident a felony
if it is the individual's fifth time being charged with the crime.
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Copyright 2008 by United Press International