.08 blood alcohol concentration or BAC is the illegal threshold that determines whether or not a driver is drunk or not. For year, numerous groups like the American Beverage Institute have assaulted this number, alleging that impairment doesn't begin until .10 or even .14.
Recently, MADD has fought for ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers and this debate has resurfaced.
However, a recent story out of Washington State reminds us that at .08 virtually everyone is truly impaired.
Two weeks ago, Lisa Close welcomed baby Kaleb into her family. Kaleb survived four months in his mother's womb after she was hit by drunk driver and left in a coma. The driver was arrested and registered a .09 BAC.
ABI has sent out numerous press releases nationwide attacking MADD's efforts to require ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. They like to point out that data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that the average BAC of a drunk driver in a fatal car crash is .18.
But what about those who are severely injured like Lisa Close and baby Kaleb. Aren't they worthy of protecting as well?
At the end of the day, .08 is drunk. It's not individuals who had a glass of wine with dinner. It's individuals who put all of us at risk when they get behind the wheel of a car.
Showing posts with label ABI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ABI. Show all posts
May 6, 2009
April 20, 2009
Man arrested for DWI hours after DWI sentencing
In Texas, a man was arrested for a DWI just hours after he was sentenced for his first DWI. No shock there. Texas is one of the worst states in the country for drunk driving.
The Texas legislature is currently considering legislation that would require ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers. Opponents (namely the American Beverage Institute, a trade association for America's restaurant industry) argue that the penalty is too stiff for first time offenders and that legislators instead should focus on "hard-core drunk drivers." Yet, studies have shown that ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses.
In this case, a first-time offender became a repeat offender in a matter of hours. So are ignition interlocks "too harsh" or just plain common sense?
The Texas legislature is currently considering legislation that would require ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers. Opponents (namely the American Beverage Institute, a trade association for America's restaurant industry) argue that the penalty is too stiff for first time offenders and that legislators instead should focus on "hard-core drunk drivers." Yet, studies have shown that ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses.
In this case, a first-time offender became a repeat offender in a matter of hours. So are ignition interlocks "too harsh" or just plain common sense?
September 19, 2008
MADD Supporters Ask Why Some “Family-Friendly” Restaurants Back Pro-Drunk Driving Group
Thousands of supporters of Mothers Against Drunk Driving are asking some “family-friendly” chain restaurants to stop hiding behind the American Beverage Institute (ABI) and to withdraw their membership from this restaurant and alcohol industry lobbying group.
This week, MADD delivered more than 9,100 petitions to Mr. Steven Shlemon, president of ABI and president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill, at ABI’s board meeting asking that he remove Carrabba’s and its parent company Outback Steakhouse from ABI’s membership, with more petitions to come.
Supporters of ABI are the parent corporations of some of the best-known chain restaurants in the country including:
This week, MADD delivered more than 9,100 petitions to Mr. Steven Shlemon, president of ABI and president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill, at ABI’s board meeting asking that he remove Carrabba’s and its parent company Outback Steakhouse from ABI’s membership, with more petitions to come.
Supporters of ABI are the parent corporations of some of the best-known chain restaurants in the country including:
- Applebee’s
- Bahama Breeze
- Carrabba’s
- Chili’s
- Macaroni Grill
- Maggiano’s
- Olive Garden
- On the Border
- Outback Steakhouse
- P.F. Chang’s
- Red Lobster
- T.G.I. Friday’s
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
