AAA Clubs of Minnesota Applaud Governor Pawlenty's Support for Reducing The Drunk Driving Limit to .08

BURNSVILLE, Minn., Oct. 30, 2003 -- The AAA Clubs of Minnesota (AAA Minnesota/Iowa and AAA Minneapolis) congratulate Governor Tim Pawlenty on his support for the reduction of the legal Blood Alcohol Content (B.A.C.) from .10 to .08. AAA encourages legislators to add their support to this legislation and both clubs will be promoting this issue vigorously to their combined 600,000 AAA members in Minnesota.

AAA supports this reduction for two reasons.

"First, drivers who drink have diminished skills that continue to decline as they drink more," said Jeff Ogden, president of AAA Minnesota/Iowa. "They are a danger to themselves, their passengers, other motorists and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorists whose B.A.C. levels are .08 or higher have severely diminished their ability to judge distance, speed, steer, track visually, concentrate, brake and stay in their driving lane."

"Second, the federal government is withholding transportation funds amounting to $6.64 million dollars in fiscal year 2003, and will continue to increase the amount withheld each year until Minnesota does pass the legislation," said Steve Frank, president of AAA Minneapolis. "Our budget and transportation situation in Minnesota does not allow us to leave that much money on the table."

Six hundred fifty-seven Minnesotans died on the roads last year. "AAA believes increased education, legislation and enforcement can make the roads safer for everyone," added Ogden.

AAA offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA Minnesota/Iowa is part of The Auto Club Group, which has 4.1 million members in eight Midwest states. AAA Minneapolis serves nearly 170,000 members in Hennepin County.