OWI convictions in 2011 the lowest in 8 years - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

Wisconsin (WQOW) - Drunk driving convictions are down a whopping 30% from four years ago and are the lowest Wisconsin has had in at least eight years.  The DOT says there's probably no single reason why.

In 2007, there were more than 40,260 OWI convictions in Wisconsin.  That fell to 28,213 a year ago.  That number could go up because some cases are still going through the system, but even if it does, it will still be far less than what we've seen in past years.

The DOT says you could speculate there are several reasons for the drop in convictions.  The economy is one possible factor.  Drug courts are another.  In recent years, some counties have implemented an alternative court system which focuses on drug and alcohol treatment instead of jail time, in hopes of preventing more repeat drunk drivers.

Despite the drop in convictions, the DOT says alcohol continues to play a role in 40% of fatal crashes in Wisconsin.  That hasn't changed.

Law enforcement is in the midst of a crackdown on drunk driving in the state.  The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign runs through Labor Day weekend.