Doug Schneider

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Readers like some things that are done about OWI in states like Minnesota%2C Pennsylvania

Sobriety checkpoints remain a divisive idea. "We already have too many laws that don%27t work"

More than 40 readers emailed me in response to a question I posed in August about what can, or should, be done to reduce drunken driving in Wisconsin.

You agree that Wisconsin has a problem with drunken driving. You generally agree that laws should be stiffer, and you like some of the things done about OWI in other states. You're divided on the question of sobriety checkpoints.

Best of all, you have some thought-provoking ideas, conveyed passionately. I couldn't have conveyed these any better, so I'll let the readers tell the story. I'm not using last names or hometowns, since I promised not to reveal anyone's identity.

Mark: "In Minnesota, anyone charged with a second OWI has their license plates seized, issued new plates that are referred to as 'whiskey' plates since their first three letters are 'WHK' or 'WSK' and as such becomes a silent red flag to any officer that the driver could have fallen off the wagon."

Carl: "When you get arrested in Pennsylvania for DUI, you are immediately jailed and remain there until you post bail, even for your first offense. Upon conviction there is a mandatory minimum of two days in jail for your first offense ... 30 days minimum for your second offense and 90 days for your third."

Marilynn: "It is a black eye on our state that we don't make the penalties so tough that people will think before they drink, dope, or drive impaired in any way. I am ashamed of Wisconsin and our leaders for not stopping this slaughter of our citizens."

Don: "Should Wisconsin have checkpoints? No, don't give up any more of your rights then you have to. I'm not advocating DWI; that's stupid. But we already have too many laws that don't work."

Lenore: "How about a volunteer checkpoint? If you stop and volunteer to have your blood-alcohol checked and are at .08 or higher you will not be arrested nor fined. However, you will not be allowed to continue your drive; you would have to call someone to pick you up."

Roger: "I'm adamantly opposed to sobriety checkpoints. The government has their nose in our business (and hands in our pockets) quite enough."

Judy: "I am so fed up with this state and frivolous manner in which they treat OWI. When I see in the newspaper that a person has had his eighth or 10th offense, I get pissed. What the hell is wrong? Is it the liquor lobby? The punishment (offenders) receive makes my blood boil!"

KJQ: "I often think that the right person has not been killed, or maimed, or spending the rest of their life in a wheelchair. Perhaps the son, daughter or wife of a senator, or other legislator — the people who have the power to change lives for the better. Wisconsin's drinking problem is shameful."

Paula: "Part of the solution has to be improved public transportation."

Katie: "There should be a breathalyzer at the exit of every bar. People could check their level of intoxication and possibly be more conscious of their decision to get behind the wheel."

Catherine: "I was the victim of a drunk driver 46 years ago. Still have the scars, dental bridge and slightly crooked forearm to remind me."

There were other thoughtful comments that I'll get to in the future.

Let's continue the discussion. Whether you've written before, or not, send an email to the address below, or leave a comment on the Press-Gazette's Facebook page.

— dschneid@greenbaypressgazette.com and follow him on Twitter @PGDougSchneider