STATE SENDS MESSAGE: DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE

A new Missouri state law provides a powerful tool to law enforcement in getting drunk drivers off the road. The result should be a lowered number of alcohol-related deaths and injuries.

One of the best features of the law will allow authorities to crack down on repeat offenders. Up to now, those charged in municipal courts could more easily repeat the crime without stiff penalties. First and second offense DWIs are misdemeanor crimes in state court, while a third-offense is a felony. In the past, Cape Girardeau County Prosecutor Morley Swingle said he had to charge individuals as first offenders in state court when they had as many as eight previous DWI convictions in city courts. That's ludicrous.

Now, those arrested on drunk driving offenses can be charged as repeat offenders in state court on the basis of these previous city convictions. Studies have shown that repeat offenders are more likely to be involved in DWI or alcohol-related accidents. This tougher stance for repeat offenders is long overdue.

Another provision is just a matter of common sense. It's illegal to drive drunk in Missouri, but up to now, it wasn't illegal to drink and drive. The new law, which took effect one week ago, makes it illegal to drink alcohol while driving a motor vehicle on public roadways.

The statistics are sobering. In Southeast Missouri last year, there were 469 alcohol-related accidents handled by the Highway Patrol alone. Of the 83 fatalities, 22 were intoxicated drivers. Statewide, about 272 people were killed and more than 7,800 injured in alcohol-related accidents.

Those ready to get behind the wheel after drinking "a few" should consider this: If caught, you're more likely to lose your license. The law reduces from .13 percent to .10 percent the blood-alcohol level required for a police officer to immediately take an offender's license as part of the administrative revocation or suspension process. This provision also makes sense. The legal level required for intoxication is .10 in Missouri, so that should apply to the license revocation as well.

Along the same lines, the new law also disallows the offender to regain his license under a hardship provision until the license has been suspended or revoked for 30 days. If people know they may lose their license, they make think twice about getting behind the wheel drunk.

Offenders will also find the price of drunk driving rise under the new law. That's because the courts can now order those convicted of DWI offenses to reimburse state or local law enforcement agencies for costs associated with their arrest. It's a kind of user fee which may provide a powerful deterrent.

The cost for drunk drivers will rise because their actions can cost us the highest price of all: A human life. It's just too high a price for a little fun. Missouri's new law underscores the fact that drinking and driving don't mix.