Wis. group targeting dangerous alcohol use

MADISON, Wis., Nov. 16 (UPI) -- 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.