Posted by rozeklawoffice on February 16, 2010 under Drunk Driving, Recreational Accidents | 
While the waters in Wisconsin may still be solid ice, it is not too early to start thinking about boat safety. A Wisconsin boating safety certification or out of state equivalent certification is required for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1989 to operate a power boat on Wisconsin waters. Boating safety classes will begin this month and continue through the summer.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the vast majority of boating accidents and fatalities on Wisconsin waters every year involve operators who have never taken a boating safety course. In 2009 none of the 16 people killed in boating accidents in Wisconsin had taken a course; in 2008, 19 of the 20 people killed had not taken a course.
In addition to live, in-person boating safety classes, the Department of Natural Resources will also be hosting 2 on-line courses. More information about upcoming boating safety classes can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.
In the meantime, as a quick safety tip, if you’re going out on the water in a boat, the one thing you can do to assure you return home safely is to wear a life jacket. In 2008, 16 of 20 people killed in boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.
Also, save your drinking until you’re off the water. Wisconsin law prohibits anyone from operating a motorboat or manipulating water skis or similar devices while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Anyone who operates or attempts to operate a vessel
is deemed to have given consent to an alcohol and/or rug test. It is illegal for a person to operate a motorboat or use water skis, a surfboard, or other device if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater. Anyone under 21 years of age is required to maintain absolute sobriety while operating a boat. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times.
For more information on Drunk Driving in Wisconsin
Posted by rozeklawoffice on December 29, 2009 under Drunk Driving, General |
Three years ago, Winnebago County launched a program titled, the Streets Treatment Option Program (SSTOP). 150 people are currently in the program and many more will soon have the option. Governor Jim Doyle recently signed a drunk driving bill that will take effect on July 1, 2010. SSTOP allows OWI offenders who are convicted of their second or third drunken-driving offense to participate in a probation and treatment program in exchange for a reduced jail sentence.
Under current law, judges outside of Winnebago County have not been allowed to sentence drunk drivers to probation until the fourth offense. Having that treatment and probation option available to second and third time offenders is a step towards addressing the alcohol issue that exists in Wisconsin.
Participants in the program must remain sober and undergo alcohol assessment, complete a drivers safety program and perform community service. If the participants do not comply with the rules, they can be sent back to the court and ordered to serve additional time.
So far, in the Winnebago pilot program, the program seems to be working at addressing alcohol addiction while saving the county money and keeping our streets safe from yet another drunk driver. The recidivism rate for those who have completed the SSTOP program is at a low 10%.
In July 2010, the program will be expanded statewide. This program may increase the safety of our Wisconsin roads which is always welcomed.
For more on Wisconsin Drunk Driving Accidents
Posted by rozeklawoffice on September 15, 2009 under Drunk Driving |
On December 11, 2005 in Chippewa County, Debra Mayer was struck by a drunk driver. The crash resulted in Mayer having a punctured lung, fractured rib, two broken teeth, broken left arm, broken left leg and broken left foot. Mayer decided to file a lawsuit against bowe in 2007, and was awarded $750,000 for future medical expenses; $250,000 for past and future loss of earnings; $1.75 million for past and future pain, suffering, disability and disfigurement; $375,000 in punitive damages; and $17,588 for out-of-pocket expenses. The total was $3.14 million. The driver who hit Mayer ended up in jail for 18 months for his second drunken driving offense.
Mayer has several chronic health problems. She walks with a cane, needs a deep tissue massage every other week and has been in physical therapy intermittently since the crash. She has equipment such as a shower chair and a high-rise toilet that allows her to live at home. It is said that one reason the jury awarded such a large settlement is because it saw Mayer is a good person who helped others, and because she had numerous friends and family in court all three days who testified on her behalf. Another reason for the high settlement figure is the jury wanted to send a message to the community that drinking and driving will not be tolerated, and it has significant consequences. In the end we should all learn from this and realize that if you have been drinking, do not try to get in a car and drive anywhere.
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For more information about Wisconsin Drunk Driving Accidents.
