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Alcoholism certainly is a disease. Its victims need help. They do not need to be allowed to drive while under the influence.
On Monday, Belmont County Common Pleas Judge John Vavra sentenced a Martins Ferry man, John P. Kulabonish, to three years in jail after his seventh conviction for driving under the influence. Vavra also ordered Kulabonish's driver's license be suspended for life.
Some may consider the sentence to be harsh. But, as Vavra pointed out, Kulabonish's pattern of driving under the influence had to be taken into account.
More such sentences should be handed out. Being lenient toward defendants in multiple DUI cases puts the traveling public at risk. We hope Kulabonish gets the help he needs. At the same time, we know Vavra's sentence makes area highways safer.