Comment Dare I mention . . . (Score 1) 162
that this could be the work of the GNAA?
I actually RTFA'ed (both articles). All they say is crap like "in Europe, the share of traffic deaths attributable to drunken driving was reduced by more than half within 10 years after the standard was dropped". That's a sound bite, not a statistic from a study. What other variables were controlled for? Changing age distribution and other demographics of drivers? Stricter DWI enforcement (aside from the lower limit)? Changing hours in bars? There are endless possibilities. Moreover, what are the penalties imposed for 0.05% and higher thresholds? I know there is a 100 page NTSB report I could read, but I'd hope that a newspaper article could give at least a halfway intelligent summary.
Let's not forget that in Europe, most of the population tends to live in the urban areas. And most European cities have very good public transportation options. Compare that to most major American cities, with a more spread out population and little decent public transportation outside of New York & New England. I'd be very interested to see DUI statistics compared between cities like New York & Boston versus a city without those kinds of subway and bus options.
I heard this news and decided it was time to buy a personal breathalyzer for $25 from Amazon.com. I've driven home after a full pitcher of beer and dinner without any issues. Granted, I'm closer to 300 pounds; so my tolerance is a bit higher than most. But, it doesn't cost much to be able to check your BAC on the go and just walk around for 30 minutes or so while your body metabolizes whatever it needs to get you down to a safer level.
Not so fast. Said $25 breathalyzers are notorious for being wildly unpredictable and inaccurate. That's what you get for $25. Expect to spend a MINIMUM of $100 for a halfway decent breathalyzer (more like $300 if you want to get closer to "police-grade"). Probably just cheaper not to drink and drive in the first place.
You have the right to refuse the test. The DA also has the right to present the fact that you refused the test at trial.
Most states have implied consent laws. This means that by accepting the privilege of driving on their state's roadways, it is implied that you give consent to being tested for alcohol or drugs if a cop asks you to. Yes, you can still refuse. But if you do so, it's an automatic suspension of your license (in Tennessee, it's one year).
People just rate their professors based on their ability to use technology or not? That seems a bit silly. While the appropriate use of technology can certainly enhance teaching to a great degree, I've seen a lot of professors that a very technologically-capable that completely suck at teaching, and some complete luddites that are the best teachers I've ever had!
To thine own self be true. (If not that, at least make some money.)
