America's High Drunk-Driving Limit

The United States has a higher legal blood alcohol concentration (B.A.C.) limit for driving compared to many other countries, set at 0.08 percent. This limit is associated with approximately 13,500 drunk driving fatalities annually. While most countries enforce limits between 0.03 and 0.05 percent, the U.S. standard was established in 2000 as a compromise to secure federal highway funding. Experts argue that this high limit contributes to preventable deaths, with studies suggesting that lowering the limit to 0.05 could reduce alcohol-related fatalities by 11 percent, potentially saving nearly 1,800 lives each year. Utah has already implemented a 0.05 limit, resulting in a nearly 20 percent drop in fatal crashes. Other states are considering similar legislation, supported by various national organizations, although the hospitality industry expresses concerns about potential impacts on alcohol sales. Despite these worries, evidence from Utah indicates that the law did not negatively affect alcohol revenue, as people opted for alternative transportation instead of driving after drinking. The ongoing discussion highlights the tension between public safety and economic interests in the hospitality sector.

- The U.S. legal B.A.C. limit for driving is 0.08 percent, higher than many countries.

- Lowering the limit to 0.05 percent could significantly reduce drunk driving fatalities.

- Utah's implementation of a 0.05 limit led to a notable decrease in fatal crashes.

- Some states are considering similar legislation, facing opposition from the hospitality industry.

- Evidence suggests that stricter limits do not harm alcohol sales, as people seek alternative transport.