Forget age-based alcohol driving rules

I’ve heard a lot of discussion for and against new legislation that will make it illegal for people under 21 to drive with anything other than a zero blood-alcohol level.

The blood-alcohol level thing has always confused me.  We learn very early in school that there is almost no way for the average person to gauge the true effects of alcohol on their own body.  We all know about that little card you can get that compares how much alcohol is in each type of drink, and we all know that it is complete garbage. The number of variables that have to be taken into consideration are simply immeasurable.

Any yet, we continue to presume that the law can simply give a single number applicable t all, and that will somehow keep us safe – despite the fact that nobody is ever quite certain if they are over the level.

I propose that we stop relying on age-based, and blood-alcohol-based laws. The law should be that if you drink alcohol, you can’t drive for 24 hours. Period.

If everyone, young or old, was required to have a zero blood-alcohol level when driving there would be absolutely no mystery.