Regulation against drunken driving in the US

In the US, a discussion has risen about drunken driving.

The New York Times: States Urged to Cut Limit on Alcohol for Drivers

According to this article, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended to reduce the allowable level of the blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) from 0.08 percent to 0.05.

It is not surprising that beverage companies were opposed to this opinion.
On the other hand, I am astonished that the US has such a loose regulation about drunken driving.

In Japan, drunken driving is strictly restricted. The allowable level of alcohol while driving is 0.15 mg / 1l expired air. It is equal to 0.03 percent of the BAC. In a case of violation, your driving license would be suspended for at least 90 days immediately.

Actually, 0.03 percent of BAC causes a sure effect on the human brain. I am doubtful the person can make any decision precisely in this situation.

In Japan, there were a lot of death cases due to traffic accidents. In 1995, 15,147 were killed in traffic accidents. But the number of fatal cases has reduced to 7,499 in 2008, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Perhaps, one of the reasons is official restriction for drivers.
The regulation against drunken driving had fastened since 2002. Moreover, the penalty was strengthened in 2009. I remember the consciousness of the office workers had changed. Nowadays, no one is brave to drink even a glass of beer before driving. If an officer were arrested by drunken driving, he would be fired without exception.

Now, fastening a seat belt is mandatory for not only the driver but also all fellows in Japan. This also may contribute to avoid fatal accident.
After all, Japan has overcome the large number of traffic accidents. It is a rare example of successful regulation in Japan I think.

Therefore, I appreciate the restriction of alcohol while driving in the US. The drinker would hate the restriction. But they will be used for the new regulation soon, as the Japanese did.