What is the new .08% minimum per se law?
In December, 2002, the Governor signed into law a measure which took effect on July 1, 2003, under which it is a DWI violation of VTL ยง 1192(2) for a person to operate a motor vehicle while such person has .08 per centum or more by weight of alcohol in such person’s blood. Laboratory and field research shows that the vast majority of drivers, even experienced drivers are significantly compromised at .08% BAC with regard to critical driving tasks such as braking, steering, lane changing, judgment and divided attention. Research also suggests that the most critical aspect of diminished performance is reduction in the ability to handle several tasks at once – the precise skill needed to safely operate a motor vehicle. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety research indicates that the relative risk of being killed in a single vehicle crash for drivers with BACs between .05% and .09% is 11 times that of drivers free of alcohol. For more information about .08% laws, please visit: www.nht
