DUI Limit Should Be Lower According to NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is recommending that states lower the DUI legal limit from its current level of .08 to .05. According to the NTSB, research shows that a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05 are impaired to the point that they pose a significantly greater risk of an auto accident resulting in injury or death.
The NTSB points to findings which were released along with its recommendations which indicated that blood alcohol levels as low as .01 have been found to impair driving skills, and that a level of .05 has been “associated with significantly increased risk of fatal crashes.” Based on its research, the NTSB said that a DUI legal limit of .05 would significantly reduce crashes and deaths.
The current DUI legal limit in Alabama is .08. There are lower limits that apply to commercial drivers and drivers who are under 21 year of age. In addition, an impaired driver in Alabama may receive a DUI ticket even where the blood alcohol level is not taken. DUI charges can be based on other evidence besides a BAC reading, such as performance on field sobriety tests and officer observations. Additionally, DUI charges may be based on the use of prescription drugs or illegal drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol. Read more about the NTSB recommendation.
If you are faced with a DUI charge in Alabama, the lawyers at Bradford Ladner LLP can assist you in resolving your case. William K. Bradford and Amber L. Ladner are Birmingham Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers with 30 years of experience.
