[GraceCoolidge]

It seems to me that most of the terrible drunk driving cases I see reported fall into one of two categories: either the driver had several previous convictions, or the driver's BAC was way over the limit-- it always seems to be "nearly x times the legal limit." I think law enforcement needs to come down harder on these people.

My primary concern with lowering the BAC so much is that it will reduce the social stigma that I believe has been a helpful factor in reducing DUI. I recall, growing up, that driving drunk was not a big deal, a "boys will be boys" type of thing to most people. Now it seems that most people are judgmental about it; I think it's good that social pressure also has been brought to bear to reduce the incidence of DUI. If, however, the BAC keeps getting lowered to the point where nearly everyone could be busted for DUI, where the crime becomes more common again, I think there's the risk of the "everyone does it" attitude returning.

[HolgerDansk]

If, however, the BAC keeps getting lowered to the point where nearly everyone could be busted for DUI, where the crime becomes more common again, I think there's the risk of the "everyone does it" attitude returning.

cf. the "Double Nickel" 55 mph speed limit. Before it, speeds were set by engineering standards, and most people felt governed by it. Afterwards, however, people lost their respect for the law, which is why most folks now drive 5-10 mph above the limit, no matter what the limit is. The danger is that, unless you're an engineer, one cannot tell the difference between a genuine engineering limit and one which is "politically motivated"...

[steve-b]

My primary concern with lowering the BAC so much is that it will reduce the social stigma that I believe has been a helpful factor in reducing DUI. I recall, growing up, that driving drunk was not a big deal, a "boys will be boys" type of thing to most people. Now it seems that most people are judgmental about it; I think it's good that social pressure also has been brought to bear to reduce the incidence of DUI. If, however, the BAC keeps getting lowered to the point where nearly everyone could be busted for DUI, where the crime becomes more common again, I think there's the risk of the "everyone does it" attitude returning.

*** DING DING DING *** No more calls; we have a winner!