The concern since Premier Alison Redford announced the new impaired driving laws has been exactly what constitutes a blood alcohol level of 0.05.
Critics claimed the government was going after the people who would stop in for a beer or two after work. Or the couple that drinks a glass of wine over dinner.
Let me tell you, at 0.05 you are drunk.
To get a better understanding of the new drunk driving laws, the Calgary Police Service held a “social dosing” session. The premise was simple, drink booze, eat food, mimic a business lunch and see what your blood alcohol level is.
For context, I’m 22-years-old, six-foot-three, 265 pounds and will probably average two or three beers three times a week.
After two Molson Canadians and a Subway sub in 30 minutes, I was weak in the knees, slurring my words, plump red cheeks and talking with my hands. I only blew a 0.025.
Two more beers in 90 minutes, I’m light-headed, blurry vision and I was in the position where I would strongly question whether I would drive home.
“If you have to question whether you’re safe to drive, you’re passed the point to make the decision,” said Sgt. Rick Butler.
I still only blow 0.037.
They give me the standardized road test, which they stressed they don’t use for alcohol but only for drugs.
I have to follow a pen as a police officer waves it slowly side to side. I thought I aced it, but quickly learned I was swaying side to side.
Minutes later, I mess up three steps as I try to walk in a straight line.
“I’d question your sobriety,” the officer tells me.
I swear I wasn’t drunk, I was buzzed, but it doesn’t matter, I should not have been driving.
Other media personalities try the same experiment, and they all came away with the same conclusion, at 0.05 – you’re drunk. Hand over the keys and find a different way home.
