Despite changed attitudes and tougher laws against intoxicated motorists, we still have a long way to go to improve safety on our roads.

The message about the danger of drinking and driving apparently still isn't getting through - at least in many northern states.

A survey by a federal agency found that in some states, as many as one in four people admit to driving under the influence in the previous 12 months.

The worst states were Wisconsin, 26.4 percent; North Dakota, 24.9 percent; and Minnesota, 23.5 percent. Only Utah was in single digits at 9.5 percent. The other states with the lowest percentage of self-reported drivers under the influence were West Virginia at 10.1 percent and Kentucky and North Carolina tied at 10.4 percent.

Illinois ranked 19th at 16.5 percent, but that was still above the national average of 15.1 percent.

The American Beverage Institute attempted to downplay the results of the survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.

In a letter to newspapers, Sarah Longwell, managing director of the American Beverage Institute, said the study "makes no distinction between whether the driver was impaired or simply drove after having a sensible amount of alcohol."

She said, "Respondents may have driven responsibly - and legally - after a glass of wine with dinner or a beer at a ball game."

But the survey question specifically asked people if they had driven a vehicle while "under the influence of alcohol."

We agree with Longwell that the question is "subjective." However, we think most people have a fairly good understanding of the meaning of "under the influence" and wouldn't apply it to one beer or glass of wine.

If anything, we suspect people would underreport being "under the influence."

The fact of the matter is health officials say these survey results are similar to other studies showing that heavy alcohol consumption is more common in northern states.

With summer approaching and more people likely to be consuming alcoholic beverages at picnics and other outdoor gatherings, it is important for health officials to step up the message about the risks of driving under the influence and for police to step up enforcement against those who don't heed the message.