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Today's Question Blog
Eric Ringham

What should Minnesota do to reduce the number of DWI offenses?

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Each year, roughly 35,000 Minnesotans are convicted of driving drunk, and about 524,000 Minnesotans have such a conviction on their records. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proposed tougher sanctions against drunk drivers. What should Minnesota do to reduce the number of DWI offenses?

Comments texted to MPR:

Many DWI offenses are unintentional. I've always thought that bars should have breathalizers available so would-be offenders know if it's safe to drive or not. -Adam, Bloomington, MN

Minnesota needs to have Cheaper taxi services or free driving for drunk people at bars or parties. Community organizations need to encourage friends to step in and take a drunk drivers keys. -Tamara Murphy, Sunfish Lake, MN

I agree with tough limits. But help people make informed decisions by making breath tests available for public use. Don't force folks to guess what is safe. -PJ

Make ignition interlock systems easily available on new cars with significant insurance discounts for users. The .08 limit is low enough that many, if not all, alcohol users drive legally drunk. Remove the stigma attached to the acceptance of personal responsibility! -M. Mammel, MD

Share your reply in the comments: What should Minnesota do to reduce the number of DWI offenses?