While some ISU students support a new law concerning blood-alcohol levels, others said the government needs to find alternative solutions to prevent drunken driving.

President Bill Clinton signed a bill into law Monday which created a nationwide standard for the legal blood-alcohol levels of drivers. The law, which was created with the support of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, lowers the legal blood-alcohol content for drivers from .10 to .08. The law also penalizes states that don’t comply with the new limit by cutting millions of dollars from their federal highway construction funds.

While the law has received criticism from members of the alcohol industry, several ISU students feel it is a step in the right direction and will help prevent drunken driving.

“I think it’s fair,” said Kelli Hromatka, freshman in pre-business. “If you’ve had even anything more than two beers, you shouldn’t be driving.”

Patrick Wells, senior in mechanical engineering, said he thinks the new level is good.

“There’s no excuse for drunk driving,” he said. “It’s not about how much you can get by with.”

Wells also said the potential state penalties will be sufficient. “I think the states will comply,” he said.

Matt Latiolais, junior in forestry and environmental studies, said he thinks the government should look at other options to help prevent the problem.

“I don’t think it will help curb drunk driving,” he said. “We have these strict laws, but we have no way of encouraging ways to get home safely except designated drivers. It would be a lot better to encourage more bus systems.”

Denise Degen, junior in accounting, also said the government should address the issue in a wider variety of ways.

“They need to do more research and more publications so that the public has more information on why they’re implementing such a low level,” she said.

However, Travis Harwood, senior in history and anthropology, said he thinks the change is a great idea.

“Drinking and driving at any level is dangerous,” he said. “[The level] .10 probably gave a little too much leeway.”