Before you think about getting behind the wheel, you may want to cancel that last drink order. The National Transportation Safety Board recently proposed that states lower the national drinking limit from a blood-alcohol content of .08 to .05 percent.
While the difference may seem minimal, it actually means cutting the current BAC by about one-third.
What does it mean?
At the current blood-alcohol content limit, a person is unable to think clearly or react quickly to a potential crash. Lowering the BAC limit would stop a person from driving before they start getting tipsy or unable to see well.
Most countries around the world already have a .05 limit. Canada and the United States are among very few nations that still allow a .08 BAC.
Based on research from those other countries, the NTSB believes that if the states agreed to the proposal, about 1,000 lives could be saved each year from a decrease in drunk driving accidents.
How does this affect me?
“I always have a designated driver,” you think. “Would this proposal even affect me?”
First, kudos for making the safe choice! It’s always best to designate a sober driver rather than take your chances at causing a serious Maryland auto accident.
However, not everyone is as conscientious as you are. If you or a family member has been the victim of a Maryland drunk driving accident, then you would likely welcome the news of a lower drinking limit.
A lower BAC would make it easier for victims to prove that drunk driving caused a crash. This in turn could increase the victim’s chances at a sizeable settlement.
It may take years for the proposal to actually become legal, but just the fact that the conversation is beginning is good news for drunk driving victims in Maryland.
Of course, your best bet to getting the best possible compensation is always to trust the skills of an experienced Silver Spring accident attorney like those at Nickelsporn and Lundin. For a free consultation, call us at 800-875-9700 today.