Car Accidents, Drunk Driving Accidents

The National Transportation Safety Board Pushes for Lower BAC

With an increasing number of drivers on America’s roads, safety continues to be a primary concern.

As decades of public service announcements regarding the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol appear to have done little to quell the alarmingly high number of car collisions attributable to this one cause alone, many are urging something more needs to be done. Because of this, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now asking for the legal blood alcohol content level for drivers to be lowered yet again.
The current concentration level that is recommended nationwide is .08. While states are free to implement their own legally accepted levels, the NTSB is now recommending that this be lowered to .05. This is in response to a recent Center for Disease Control (CDC) finding that more than 112 million alcohol impaired trips are undertaken by drunk drivers every year. In addition, the CDC now reports that driver impairment actually begins before an individual’s blood alcohol content level reaches .08.

Women will be particularly affected by the new recommendation, as the average weight woman would only be able to drink one alcoholic beverage in an hour before she is over the .05 BAC limit. Because of this and numerous other factors, there are certain complications related to the lowering of the national blood alcohol content level that must be taken into consideration.

Car crashes caused by drunk drivers involve unique factors and can be complex, especially when someone is injured. Individuals who have been in a wreck involving a drunk driver should consider contacting and retaining an Austin Car Accident Attorney right away in order to protect their rights.

Terry and Kelly, PLLC reminds everyone to find a sober, safe ride home whenever drinks are a part of your night out. If you have been in an accident involving an impaired driver contact an Austin Car Accident Attorney right away in order to preserve certain legal rights. Contact Terry and Kelly, PLLC today at 512-910-2000 for a free consultation and case evaluation.