Proposal to lower blood alcohol limits and driving under the influence

Last week, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended that the nation move towards zero tolerance with respect to drinking and driving. The NTSB made numerous recommendations including reducing the acceptable level of blood alcohol concentration from 0.8 for adults over 21 years to 0.5. (Zero tolerance is in effect with respect to lower BAC levels for those under 21.)

Additionally, the report recommended that states conduct high visibility enforcement of drunk driving laws, expand the use of in vehicle devices to prevent driving by an impaired driver, using special courts to reduce recidivism and establishing evidence based practices to measure and track progress of goals.

The NTSB’s report has only persuasive value; it seeks to have the National Highway Traffic Administration support its efforts by providing incentive grants to states who follow its recommendations. The full NTSB report may be found at https://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2013/SR1301.pdf.

Although it took more than 20 years for the NTSB’s recommendation to lower acceptable BAC levels from 1.0 to 0.8, the safest course for individuals is to not drink and drive. Considering the current BAC level of 0.8, there are many factors that may impact and cause a higher reading. Should you be pulled over by the police, contact an experienced defense attorney immediately prior to performing any tests. The decisions you make may impact your future.

Lori G. Levin
Attorney at Law
180 N. LaSalle, Suite 3700
Chicago, IL 60601
312-767-2356
[email protected]
www.lorilevinlaw.com