Often people have an idea of how much they are able to drink while still being alright to drive. However, that might be about to change. Recently, the federal government has recommended that all states, including Oregon, lower their legal limits for driving drunk. Under the current law, a person cannot be charged with a DUI unless that person's blood alcohol content level is a .08 percent or higher.
Under the new recommendations, a person would be eligible for a DUI with a BAC level of only .05 percent. In addition to the recommendation to change the BAC limit, the federal government is also encouraging increase use of ignition interlock devices and increased DUI patrols.
Proponents of the new recommendations -- including the National Highway Safety Board -- say that reducing the legal limit will help to reduce the number of drunk driving related accidents.
However, it is also likely that lowering the legal limit would increase the number of drunk driving arrests and charges. If the recommendation is enacted, then a woman who weighs less than 120 pounds could exceed the legal limit with just one drink. Furthermore, if a man weighs 160 pounds or less, he could reach the .05 limit with two drinks. If people are not careful, they could inadvertently reach the limit and face serious consequences including the loss of their drivers' licenses.
While the federal government is recommending that state's lower the limit, the Oregon legislature must actually pass a bill to change the legal limit. Until a new law is passed the limit will stay at .08. Oregon residents should closely follow this story to ensure that they understand when they could be subject to a DUI arrest.
Source: KGW, "Feds weigh lowering drunk driving standard to .05," Joan Lowy, May 14, 2013
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