I see your point.
I think adding zero-tolerance policy would be well-justified. It has successfuly decreased the amount of accidents and fatal accidents in many countries, and it doesn't come with some crazy cost.
Most people who drive after drinking aren't some sociopathic outlaws, they are just regular persons lacking self-control, which is very typical for young persons. I have no idea what 'my limit' is and struggle to understand how a guy would assess it.
'Yo I feel entirely sober, I can easily have another beer!'
'OK I'm starting to feel it, but I'm not really that drunk, another one won't hurt!'
'OK I'm done for today. Well, I think can still walk straight and control my movements overall. I'm OK to drive!'
Where is the line you must not cross?
An exaggerated comparison, but it's like having a machine gun aimed at the crowd and shooting from time to time. 'It's OK, I just shot 20 bullets, I think it's within my limits'.
It doesn't absolve Higgins from his responsibilities, but there's a system failure as well.
- no easy-to-follow law, just some amorphous idea about personal limit;
- a guy decides he's fine to drive (maybe within his idea of acceptable consumption) despite alcohol impairing his ability;
- OMG worst person ever.
Meanwhile multiple posters ITT are reflecting on their own erroneous decisions to drive drunk. I guess they are awful, awful people too.