“but are American drivers worse than their European counterparts, where the speed limits are higher?”
I don’t know.
Put some soccermom in an SUV talking on a cell phone on the Autobahn and let’s find out.
I don't know what the rules are in that regard. However, most countries worldwide have a lower maximum tolerable blood alcohol level than we do. 0.05% is the most common limit in Europe. Interestingly enough, all the Anglosphere nations except Australia have a 0.08% limit, as we do. Mexico holds to 0.08% as well.