Mobilizing Coalitions to Pass a 0.05 BAC Law

 What Is a 0.05 BAC Law and Why It Matters: A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% has long been the legal limit for drivers in most of the U.S. – but traffic safety experts and many communities are now pushing to lower that limit to 0.05%. Why? Because even at 0.05% BAC (which might result from as little as two standard drinks for some people), significant impairment begins. Scientific studies show that at 0.05 BAC, drivers experience reduced coordination, poorer tracking of moving objects, difficulty steering, and slower reaction times to emergencieszerofatalitiesnv.com. In fact, a driver’s crash risk roughly doubles at 0.05 compared to a 0.00 BACzerofatalitiesnv.com. In practical terms, that “one extra drink” can be the difference between getting home safely or not at all. The session “Driving Change” highlights how countries that adopted 0.05 laws have seen notable drops in drunk-driving deaths. And indeed, in the first year after Utah became the first U.S. state to implement a 0.05% limit, they saw nearly a 20% reduction in fatal crash ratesmadd.org. Lowering the legal limit sends a powerful message that even mild impairment is too much when behind the wheel. It encourages all drivers to plan for zero alcohol if they’re driving – effectively modeling a culture of safety. As parents, this is a crucial message for our teens: “Buzzed driving is drunk driving.” Embracing a 0.05 law is about reinforcing that any impairment on the road is unacceptable.

Leading by Example – Parental Modeling of Responsible Alcohol Use: One of the most immediate ways parents influence their kids’ attitudes about drinking and driving is by our own behavior. Think about the subtle cues we send. Do you have a “one glass of wine is fine to drive” rule for yourself? Do you ever joke about “needing a drink” before driving the kids to a stressful event? Our teens are watching and learning. Modeling responsible alcohol use means demonstrating that if you drink at all, you don’t drive – period. Even before laws mandate stricter limits, families can adopt this standard at home. For instance, if you’re out at a restaurant and have a beer, explicitly mention: “Since I’ve had a drink, I’m not going to drive. Mom will drive us home,” or vice versa. This normalizes the idea that sober driving is the default. Interestingly, data from Utah’s experience with the 0.05 law showed that it not only reduced crashes, but also changed people’s behavior: about 1 in 5 adults who drink reported making changes like planning a sober ride or cutting themselves off earliermadd.org. That’s exactly what we want our kids to internalize – planning ahead and knowing when to stop. Talk with your teen about never riding with a driver who’s been drinking, even if “they only had a little.” Work out a plan: they can call you for a safe ride no matter what, no questions asked in the moment. Emphasize that safety comes first.

Community Action and Why Parents Should Care: Mobilizing coalitions for a 0.05 BAC law might sound like something for policymakers or activists, not everyday parents. But parents can be powerful coalition members! Who has a bigger stake in safe roads than families? Consider joining or supporting local groups that advocate for stricter DUI laws or public health measures. This might mean writing to your state representatives expressing support for a 0.05 law, or participating in awareness events (like Candlelight vigils for crash victims, or “Walk Like MADD” events by Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Explain to your teen why you support such measures: “I want our community to be as safe as possible. If lowering the legal limit can save lives, I’m all for it.” Share the compelling evidence with them – for example, let them know that other countries with 0.05 laws (like many in Europe) have far fewer drunk driving deaths per capitazerofatalitiesnv.com. And if your area is considering such a law, let your teen see you “in action,” whether it’s attending a town hall or simply signing a petition. This shows them the importance of civic engagement for public safety.

Talking to Teens About Alcohol and Driving: Of course, no law replaces the need for direct conversations with your teen. Start early – long before they get their driver’s license. The message should be consistent: drinking and driving don’t mix, ever. Make sure they understand the science: even small amounts of alcohol can affect judgment and reaction time. You can share concrete facts from this session: like how at 0.05 BAC, a driver’s ability to respond to sudden hazards (say, a child running into the road) is significantly diminishedzerofatalitiesnv.com. For a teen who might think, “I’ll only have one drink, I’ll be fine,” knowing that critical skills decline at that level can be eye-opening. It’s also worth discussing the legal implications. Many states (including those with graduated licensing for teens) have zero tolerance laws for underage drivers – meaning any detectable alcohol could lead to license suspension or other penalties. And with a push toward 0.05 for adults, it underscores that even adults shouldn’t be driving after more than one drink. Encourage your teen to always plan ahead for parties or events: if they ever end up in a situation where drinking is happening (even though as minors they shouldn’t – but let’s be realistic and prepared), what’s the exit strategy? Maybe it’s calling a rideshare, phoning a trusted adult, or having a “designated driver” friend who truly abstains. Role-play scenarios: “What would you do if the person supposed to drive you home had a couple beers? Let’s talk through options.” Ensure they know it’s non-negotiable in your family that safety comes first. You can even create a code word via text – if they message you that code, you’ll know to pick them up immediately, no interrogation until later.

Responsible Alcohol Culture at Home: Beyond driving, part of this session’s spirit is about fostering a healthier relationship with alcohol in general. Many of us grew up with the casual “I did it when I was a kid and I turned out fine” attitude about underage drinking or mild intoxication. This session challenges that, noting that phrase as one of the most dangerous in preventionnorthwestalcoholconference.org. The truth is, times have changed – our roads are more dangerous and substances potentially more potent. So at home, set clear expectations. Let your teen know you don’t approve of underage drinking and why (brain development, safety, legality). Also share your family’s stance on adult drinking: for example, “In our home, we might enjoy a beer or wine occasionally, but we always do so in moderation and never if we’ll be driving.” If you personally choose not to drink at all, talk about that too. The idea is to demystify alcohol. Sometimes, allowing teens controlled exposure – like a small sip at a holiday dinner – can remove the “forbidden fruit” allure, but this is a personal choice for each family and must be done carefully if at all. Regardless, the overarching principle your teen should hear is that drinking carries real risks, especially when combined with driving or other high-risk activities.

Finally, celebrate the positive choices. If your teenager calls you for a ride at 1 AM because their friend who was driving had a drink, resist the urge to scold about why they were out so late. Instead, commend them: “I’m proud of you for calling me. You made the safe choice.” By reinforcing these decisions, you’re building their confidence to do the right thing next time. Over time, with consistent messages and your own example leading the way, your teen will understand that responsible alcohol use (or abstinence) and never driving impaired isn’t just a rule – it’s a value. And maybe one day, they’ll be the ones leading a coalition on campus or in their community for even stronger safety laws, inspired by what they learned at home.