0.08% DUI is a BUST - Big Surprise - NOT!!

[Bucko]

Review doubts effectiveness of 0.08 DUI limit

GAO says lower standard has not made difference by itself

THE NEW YORK TIMES

WASHINGTON - The federal highway safety agency has overstated the effectiveness of state laws that lower the percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream needed to classify an individual as legally drunk, a review has found.

The review concluded that lowering the blood-alcohol limit alone did not demonstrably reduce the number or severity of alcohol-related car crashes.

The review, by the General Accounting Office, challenged the findings of studies commissioned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In its analysis, the accounting office found little statistical evidence to confirm that lowering the permissible blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 percent, from 0.10 percent, significantly reduces the number of automobile crashes.

Rather, the accounting office concluded that the best countermeasure against drunken driving was a combination of vigorous enforcement of blood-alcohol-level laws, strong laws requiring that the licenses of violators be revoked and sustained public education.

The GAO's finding undermines efforts by the Clinton administration to establish a national standard of 0.08 percent.

Bucko

[Thomas]

Thanks Bucko. I missed this one, but now that I have it I will make good use of it in my columns.

[Bucko]

Please do!! At least one branch of the government is not afraid to tell it like it is. I am so tired of the hypocrisy.

Bucko

[n144mann]

Wish I had had this last week. I was having this exact arguement with my mother-in-law. Thanks Bucko!! I will have to send her this info now I can more fully back up my position. Was on vacation...didn't have any of my info with me....frown
Nancy