The number of car crashes involving repeat offenders with multiple alcohol convictions has decreased 39 percent since repeat offender laws were enacted on three years ago, research findings announced Tuesday said.

The laws brought tougher penalties for repeat offenders while establishing standards for licensing consequences and treatment.

While the full results are expected to be released in November, some details about the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute study were revealed.

According to the study, the crash rate for drivers under suspension decreased 30 percent, which led to a 37 percent decrease in injury rates and a 13 percent decrease in fatalities.

Kelli Cynecki