Legal driving BAC may be lowered in New York State
The Transportation Committee is circulating a bill in New York State that would lower the legal blood alcohol content while driving from .08 to .05 percent. The limit for aggravated driving would also be lowered from the current .18 to .12 percent.
In December 2018, Utah became the first state to lower the legal driving BAC. The National Transportation Safety Board has recommended that all states take similar measures.
Assemblywoman Felix Ortiz, from Brooklyn, stated that this new bill would go a long way towards making the roadways safer. “I think this piece of legislation which is for saving lives will be the way to go in New York State,” said Ortiz, who hopes the bill will pass by the end of the year.
Arthur Pressman, a criminal defense and DWI attorney in Buffalo, says that much of the current problem stems from people not knowing how much is too much when it comes to drinking and driving. A free BAC estimator is available on his website.
“Obviously I don’t condone someone drinking and driving,” said Pressman. “I think if you drink responsibly you can drink but you have to know when to stop.”
To read the full story from WKBW, click here.