Under the current BAC limit of 0.08, a driver has 169 percent higher risk of getting into a crash than at 0. Because every drink of alcohol raises the risk of impairment, many would like to see the BAC limit for DUI decreased to 0.05, reducing the risk of a drunk driving car accident to 38 percent.
Under the current 0.08, an average sized man might be able to get by with four drinks an hour and still be legal to drive. At 0.05, two drinks would likely result in a DUI charge. Advocates believe the change would deter drivers from drinking and driving in the first place to avoid a DUI.
Not everyone agrees. First of all, some point to the fact that law enforcement simply does not have the resources to crack down on motorists at a lower BAC. Groups such as MADD, or Mothers Against Drunk Driving, do not support enacting lower BAC limit believing those arrested and convicted will simply return to old habits.
Many, including MADD, feel that prevention is key. They support putting resources toward the installation of ignition interlock devices for first time offenders hoping to stop drunk drivers in their tracks.