Washington State Senate considers bill to lower BAC limit to 0.05 to save lives

The Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee convened on January 30, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 5067, which proposes lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from 0.08% to 0.05%. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, highlighting the potential impact of this legislation on traffic safety in Washington State.

Mark McKechnie, Director of External Relations for the Traffic Safety Commission, opened the discussion by emphasizing the alarming statistics surrounding alcohol-related traffic fatalities. He noted that in 2023, over 400 fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers, and he argued that lowering the BAC limit is a critical step toward ensuring safer roads. McKechnie pointed out that many countries have successfully implemented a 0.05 BAC limit, resulting in reduced crash rates without harming the hospitality industry.

Dale Panettone, a remote testifier, shared a personal story about losing his father-in-law to a drunk driver. Initially skeptical about the bill, he changed his stance after researching the effectiveness of lower BAC limits in other countries. He highlighted that in Utah, where the 0.05 limit is in place, businesses have not suffered financially, and he urged the committee to support the bill to prevent further tragedies.

Emily Bourne, a server at a local restaurant, opposed the bill, arguing that at a 0.05 BAC, individuals often do not exhibit clear signs of impairment, making it difficult for servers to assess whether someone is over the limit. She expressed concern about the potential liability that could arise from serving customers who appear sober but may be over the new threshold.

Scott Waller, a board member of the Washington Association for Substance Misuse and Violence Prevention, supported the bill, citing the need for new laws to drive public awareness and compliance regarding alcohol consumption and driving. He noted a significant increase in traffic fatalities in Washington State and stressed that the current measures are insufficient.

Ashley Bonas, a victim of impaired driving, shared her tragic experience of losing her sister to a drunk driver. She passionately advocated for the bill, stating that lowering the BAC limit would save lives and educate the public about the dangers of driving under the influence.

Leah Walton, a safety advocate for the National Transportation Safety Board, reiterated the organization's long-standing recommendation for a 0.05 BAC limit. She referenced data showing that such a change could reduce fatal alcohol-related crashes by an estimated 11%.

The committee concluded the meeting with a clear understanding of the diverse perspectives surrounding Senate Bill 5067. The discussions underscored the ongoing debate about balancing public safety with the realities of alcohol consumption and the responsibilities of those serving alcohol. The committee will continue to evaluate the implications of the proposed legislation as it moves forward.