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Crime & Safety

Point-Oh-Five Could Be the New DUI

The National Transportation Safety Board recommends reducing the limit for drunken driving from 0.08 to 0.05. Some say it would save lives. Others say it's unreasonable.

Written by Jennifer Squires

One drink could be the standard for drunken driving – at least for some people if the National Transporation Safety Board has its way.

On Tuesday, the NTSB recommended that states lower the level for drunk driving from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent.

About 10,000 deaths a year are related to drunken driving. The NTSB says the lower limit would save 500 to 800 lives a year.

Officials at the American Beverage Institute called the proposal "ludicrous." It said the average woman could reach the 0.05 percent limit by having one drink.

In 2010, six people were injured or killed in DUI-related accidents in Burlingame.

What do you think? Is the proposal reasonable? Tell us in the comment section below.

— Patch Field Editor David Mills contributed reporting.

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