Pasadena Police Asking if You Know Your Limit

Volunteers will be asked what they believe their blood alcohol content is currently and if they feel they would be safe to drive a car. -Courtesy photo / Senior Airman Stephanie Sauberan

By Staff

The Pasadena Police Department will be conducting the “Know Your Limit” program on Friday Sept. 7.

Pasadena police officers will go into Pasadena’s entertainment district where they will speak to bar and club goers. Volunteers will be asked what they believe their blood alcohol content (BAC) is currently and if they feel they would be safe to drive a car. They then will be asked to blow into a breathalyzer in front of their friends.

For most, it is common knowledge that the legal BAC limit for operating a motor vehicle in the state of California is less than .08 percent. However, many people might not realize how much alcohol, or more importantly, how little alcohol it takes to get to a BAC of .08 percent or more.

“It’s surprising for most how high their BAC is,” said Mark Goodman, Lieutenant of the PPD Traffic Section. First-time DUI drivers in California can expect up to six months imprisonment or three year probation, legal costs up to $10,000, a driver’s license suspension for up six months and have their vehicle impounded.

The program is not intended as a scare tactic, instead, it is designed to provide an educational opportunity within Pasadena’s community to encourage groups to designate a sober driver and make good choices.

PPD is working with business owners to make sure the program is a positive influence on their patrons and does not negatively impact their business.

Funding for this program is provided to PPD by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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