Trip Report - DUI

[JussiUt]

[ QUOTE ]
You're more of a threat than a .09 BAC level driver if you've ever done any of the following while driving:

1. Eat
2. Extremely tired while driving
3. Dialing a cell phone - waaaay more
4. Talking on a cell phone
5. Arguing with your spouse

[/ QUOTE ]

You're partially right but it's also complete BS. The fact that you're making generalizations as of any person who has a .09 BAC level isn't really drunk shows your level of thinking. That kind of alcohol level might not effect OP's driving skills but it sure as hell can effect small women's. Therefore the limit which is btw still a lot higher in the US than in most of Europe. The line has to be drawn somewhere.

Yes, it may seem harsh that OP who might very well be telling the truth received such a punishment. He probably was at least ok. But where do you want to draw a line? If it was 0.10 there would be still similar posts like this where some people cry how unfair it is not to be allowed to drive after that and that amount of alcohol "because I really could tell it wasn't effecting me at all". I wouldn't let the guy who's been drinking decide whether he's ok enough because we all know what great ideas we get while drunk or even after a few beers sometimes. A mistake can be costly.

I'm kind of suprised that it's so common to think that the "maximum BAC level" or whatever should be higher. Is it really that bad not just to drive? 0.08 pretty much still allows you to drink normally with lunch etc. Is this an American thing, to have to be able to get anywhere by car or is it something else?