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Take 5 for .05: A Campaign to Save Lives on Hawaii’s Roads

Why We Are Launching “Take 5 for .05”

Every life lost to impaired driving is preventable. That’s why MADD Hawaii is advocating for a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of .05. Studies show that this small change can make a big difference in saving lives and reducing injuries on our roads. With your support, we can ensure Hawaii leads the way in promoting safer driving practices.

Why .05 Is Important

  • Impaired Driving Begins at .05 BAC: Research shows that at .05 BAC, critical driving skills like reaction time and judgment are already impaired.
  • Proven Success Globally: Countries like Australia, Sweden, and France implemented a .05 BAC law and saw up to a 10% decrease in alcohol-related traffic fatalities.
  • Hawaii Needs This Change: On average, 36% of traffic deaths in Hawaii are caused by alcohol-impaired driving—higher than the national average. A .05 BAC law could help reduce this devastating statistic.

The Impact of Lowering BAC to .05

  • Lives Saved: According to the National Transportation Safety Board, lowering the BAC limit to .05 in the U.S. could save over 1,500 lives annually.
  • Safer Roads for Everyone: With stricter BAC limits, drivers are encouraged to make safer choices, like using a designated driver or rideshare services.
  • Economic Benefits: Reduced crashes mean lower healthcare costs, emergency services expenses, and property damage.

How You Can Take Action

  1. Contact Your Representatives: Use your voice to urge Hawaii’s legislators to support the .05 BAC bill.
    • Fill Out This Form:  and it will automatically send an email to our lawmakers showing your support for .05 BAC https://secure.madd.org/page/78000/action/1, or
    • Find Your Legislator here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/legislature/findleg.aspx
    • Template for Email/Call Script:
      “Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of [Your District]. I’m reaching out to ask for your support on the .05 BAC bill to help save lives on Hawaii’s roads. Research shows that lowering the BAC limit reduces alcohol-related crashes and fatalities. Please help make our state safer for everyone. Thank you.”
  2. Join Us at the Capitol on February 12th:
    • What: MADD for .05 Sign Waving and Press Conference
    • When: February 12th, 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
    • Where: Hawaii State Capitol
    • Wear Red: Show your support for safer roads.

Statistics on .05 Saving Lives

  • In countries with a .05 BAC limit, alcohol-related traffic fatalities decreased by:
    • 10% in Australia
    • 8% in Austria
    • 9% in France
  • Utah became the first U.S. state to adopt a .05 BAC law in 2018. According to a 2022 NHTSA study, traffic fatalities have decreased by 20% since then.
  • Studies suggest if all states enacted a .05 BAC law, over 1,700 lives would be saved each year.

 

Support the “Take 5 for .05” Campaign Today

  • Post Video: Take at least 5 seconds to film a video of yourself discussing why you support lowering the BAC from .08 to .05 and close it out with a high five to the camera
    • Use the hashtag #Take5for05
    • Challenge your friends by tagging them
    • Insert the following link to your caption for people to learn more:  https://madd.org/hawaii/take-5-for-05/
    • Example script: “My name is ____ and I am taking 5 for .05 because I believe a lower BAC will decrease the lives lost on Hawaii’s roads. I want to challenge (insert 3 names of people) to take 5 for .05 and show your support for this important bill.” <high five camera>
  • Follow Us on Social Media: Stay updated with campaign news and share our posts to spread awareness
  • Volunteer: Join MADD Hawaii to help with advocacy and outreach. https://madd.org/volunteer