i agree with the comments that a 0.00% level is not practical...

i also agree that it should be low enough that pretty much anyone who drinks a beer or whatever should be over the limit... and there should be sever punishment for drinking and driving (namely suspension and/or loss of license + fines --- fines often are not a deterrant (say rich kids) but losing your license is a very good deterrant)

and guess what the LIBERAL governments of Europe have legally allowable Blood-Alcohol levels about half of what the US has AND punishment is VERY strict. i'm not familiar with each country, but most have immediate suspension of your license for anything over the limit. plus there is very little social toleratance of drinking and driving: remember Jan Ulrich's antics last year?

anyhow, i'll try and stop with the Politcal discussion, but i just couldn't let Sam's comment go unanswered. sorry Sam, i respect you, but i find no basis of facts to support your statement.