The NTSB proposes to lower the blood-alcohol level to .05 in all states. Should it be lowered? Then on AirTalk, Police Chief Charlie Beck talks about current issues at the LAPD, KPCC's political team discusses recent events in the mayoral race, and LACMA director Michael Govan takes questions about LACMA's redesign project. Also, should there be stricter fines for cycling scofflaws?
Poll: Should states follow NTSB advice and lower DUI limit to 0.05?
The National Transportation Safety Board wants to lower the amount of alcohol it takes for a person to be considered a drunk driver. The NTSB voted to recommend that the legal blood alcohol level be reduced to 0.05 from the current level of 0.08. They say that at .05 BAC, some drivers can struggle with depth perception and other visual functions and be fully impaired at .07.
RELATED: Take Two: NTSB recommends lowering DUI limit to 0.05 percent
Although the number of deaths from drunk driving have dropped by half in the past thirty years, the NTSB says that nearly 10,000 people still die annually in alcohol-related traffic accidents. The U.S. is among a handful of countries with a limit as high as 0.08 but restaurant and alcohol industry groups say that lowering the rate will not stop severely impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.
Should states follow the recommendation and lower the drunk driving limit to 0.05? Would lowering the limit make a difference in how many drinks you will have before driving? Would lowering the limit lead to fewer alcohol-related traffic deaths?
Guests:
Bruce Lee Livingston, executive director and CEO, Alcohol Justice, a national advocacy organization that campaigns against the influence of the alcohol industry
Sarah Longwell, managing director of The American Beverage Institute
Reaching Zero: Actions to Eliminate Alcohol-Impaired Driving by scprweb
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License plate scanners and predictive policing: A conversation with LAPD Chief Charlie Beck
Today we’re having our monthly check in with the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, Charlie Beck, on a host of topics, including the reward decision for fugitive Christopher Dorner, the department’s lawsuit with ACLU over the use of data collected by license plate scanners attached to LAPD cruisers, accusations from USC students that police treated black and white students differently when breaking up parties near campus, and more.
Do you have a question for Chief Beck? Type it in the comments box or call in.
Guest:
Charlie Beck, Chief of Los Angeles Police Department
Checking in on the race for LA mayor
With the runoff election for Los Angeles Mayor between Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel taking place in less than a week, Larry talks with KPCC’s political team for a check in.
Guests:
Alice Walton, KPCC Politics Reporter
Frank Stolz, KPCC Politics Reporter
LACMA director Michael Govan talks museum redesign
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is set to unveil a multimillion-dollar plan for a rebuild. The new look is designed by acclaimed architect Peter Zumthor, which would turn the museum's main building along Wilshire Blvd. into a series of glass-walled galleries. The cost of the project is expected to be paid for by trustees and donors.
This is not the first time the museum has tried for an ambitious makeover. In 2001, the LACMA board gave the redesign plan drawn up by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas the go-ahead, but the project was scrapped a couple years later when fundraising came up short.
Would the Peter Zumthor plan get the financial support it needs? Should LACMA spend this much money on a new structure? Should the money go toward beefing up its collection instead?
Guest:
Michael Govan, LACMA CEO and Director
Chicago’s mayor proposes steeper fines for cycling scofflaws
To contend with an upswing of two-wheeled commuters in Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants bigger fines imposed on reckless drivers and cyclists. The city's current fine for bicyclists who disobey traffic laws, such as running red lights, is $25. He wants it raised to a $200-maximum. As for drivers and passengers who open their doors in the way of a cyclist, the fine could double to $1,000. "Dooring" can cause serious injuries. Emanuel's aides say there were more than 250 dooring accidents last year.
In California, it's illegal for car doors to be opened without caution - whether it affects bikes, cars or pedestrians. However, cycling advocates say enforcing rules around "dooring" is nearly impossible here. As for red lights and stop signs, California cyclists can face similar fines as drivers who break the law.
Should more laws be imposed that are more specific to cycling safety? What's the right punishment for dooring? Are there some traffic laws that should only apply to drivers, but don't make sense for cyclists? Or should everyone be treated the same to ensure clarity and safety?
Guest:
Colin Bogart, Education Director, Los Angeles County Bike Coalition
Michelle Mowery, Bicycle Planning and Programming, City of Los Angeles, Department of Transportation
For Bike WeekThere are group rides all over LA tonight. This weekend, the focus is on cycling locally to run errands. And tonight at Paseo Colorado is Ladies Night with a maintenance clinic and group ride.
To learn more about Bike Week all over LA County, visit metro.net/bikes, or on twitter @bikemetro.