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Alcohol and driving: is the 0.05% blood alcohol concentration limit justified?

1991; Wiley; Volume: 10; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/09595239100185211

1465-3362

Peter Howat, David A. Sleet, Ian F. C. Smith,

Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis

Abstract This paper reviews the findings of experimental and laboratory research to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support a uniform 0.05% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as the legal limit for driving. Statistically significant and meaningful decrements in driving‐related performance were identified at 0.05% BAC or below in many studies. Younger and inexperienced drinkers and drivers appear to be at greatest risk for alcohol‐related traffic crashes. It is concluded that on scientific grounds, there is support for setting the legal limit at 0.05%. The setting of a uniform 0.05% BAC statutory limit should be but one effort within a comprehensive approach including other legal, social, behavioural and environmental strategies to deal with the drink driving problem. [Howat P, Sleet D, Smith I. Alcohol and driving: is the 0.05% blood alcohol concentration limit justified? Drug Alcohol Rev 1991; 10: 151‐166]