Should DUI Alcohol Limit Be Lowered To 0.05 Percent?

One drink could be the standard for drunken driving—at least for some people if the National Transporation Safety Board has its way.

On Tuesday, the NTSB recommended states lower the blood-alcohol threshold for driving under the influence from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent.

About 10,000 deaths a year are related to drunken driving. The NTSB says the lower limit would save 500 to 800 lives a year.

However, officials at the American Beverage Institute called the proposal "ludicrous." It said the average woman could reach the 0.05 percent limit by having one drink.

We asked residents on the Chartiers Valley Patch Facebook page what they thought of the recommendation and most people were supportive of a law change.

"I have no tolerance for anyone who drinks and then gets behind the wheel. There have been too many lives taken too early and if this could save a life I think it's a great recommendation!" wrote Kelly Hefferin Lesko.

Others were opposed.

"Regarding driving while under the influence, unless existing laws are enforced by servers, police, and judges, lowering the blood-alcohol level will have little impact," wrote Sue Nirella.

According to the Post-Gazette, a blood-alcohol level of 0.05 would be attained by a would be attained by a 130-pound woman with two drinks consumed within one hour.

A 180-pound male would reach the 0.05 threshold with three drinks within an hour.

Tell us what you think in the comments below: Is the proposal to lower the blood-alcohol limit reasonable?

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