Why do different states have different legal limits for driving while intoxicated (DWI)?
As most people know, the DWI limit varies from 0.08 to 0.10% among the states. There is clear evidence that most people are unable to safely drive a car at either level, but some states are more conservative than others. In actuality, there is strong scientific evidence that 0.05% (about 2-3 drinks per hour) is related to driving impairment, but the commercial alcohol lobby in the United States has so far been able to place profit over human safety in the eyes of state legislatures and Congress. The American Medical Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving support an 0.05% DWI level, and this is the level allowed in most European nations.
