Will lowering the legal limit for a driver’s blood alcohol content reduce the number of drunk driving accidents? That is the question that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hopes to answer. In a release earlier this year, the organization urged states to reduce the legal limit for a driver’s blood alcohol content to .05% or lower. The NTSB claims that through its research, it has determined that this change will drastically reduce the incidents of driving while under the influence (DUI).
While most people are quick to get behind measures that fight drunk driving, support for this particular change is far from unanimous. The NTSB has made similar recommendations in the past to no avail. Even organizations that typically champion these issues, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), are yet to take an official stand.
If Not a Reduced BAC, Than What?
Instead of fighting to reduce the legal limit for a driver’s BAC, institutions such as MADD have been focusing their efforts on increasing the use of ignition interlock devices (IID) for those convicted of past drunk driving offenses. IIDs, also known as car breathalyzers, require drivers to pass a breath test before a car’s ignition will start as well as at random intervals. MADD argues that this technology is a better candidate to receive resources towards the goal of fighting drunk driving as it has been proven to be effective domestically and already has widespread support.
How Does This Affect the Average Driver?
Currently, the initiative to change the limit for a driver’s BAC has gained little traction. According to the state governmental affairs director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the motion has not yet been discussed in a single committee. However, if the recommendation does gain traction, it may grant police greater authority to make drunk driving arrests in otherwise marginal situations.
The laws on drunk driving in California can see that offenders are punished harshly and if you are facing criminal charges, our Bakersfield DUI attorneys want to hear your side of the story. We have defended drivers in thousands of cases and know how to call into question the evidence against you.
When you work with an attorney from Campbell Whitten, you gain the support of our entire firm. Call (661) 735-1038 or request a FREE consultation online to get started on your defense.