In the last five years for which numbers are available, total alcohol-related crashes decreased only slightly. In that same period, arrests and convictions of drunken drivers declined statewide. Even repeat offenders almost never receive the maximum jail time. About one in seven was sentenced to the maximum time behind bars allowed by law. So, Indiana is at a crossroads.
State legislators are, too.
They're considering several bills that advocates believe are key to further reducing drunken driving in the state. A breakthrough is vital, advocates say, because even with the advances made so far, the carnage continues at appalling levels. In 1999, the toll dropped to 15,786. That's a 37 percent decline. About 26 fewer lives lost each day.