Reaching .08

The average Blood Alcohol Content or B.A.C. reading on DUI arrests in the state of Montana is .16. That’s twice the legal limit. The recent House Bill 106: The Montana 24/7 Sobriety Program Act and Senate Bill 15: The Aggravated DUI law works to reduce the number of drunk drivers in the state and increase punishments for repeat offenders. Under the 24/7 Sobriety Program, repeat offenders must subject themselves to a breathalyzer twice a day. If they test positive for alcohol, they will go to jail. The Aggravated DUI law increases penalties for those caught driving with a B.A.C. of .16 or higher. If convicted, that person could spend up to one year in jail.
But how does a person know if they’ve reached .08? UM News reporter Tara Oster and photographer Maegan Simmons borrowed a breathalyzer, got some quick training from a police officer and did an experiment with two patrons at a local bar.