Letter Writer Gave DUI Added Meaning

Bruce Berckman asserts that he has “proved beyond every conceivable doubt” that California’s standard for Driving Under the Influence is based on the false claim “that a person of my weight cannot drive a vehicle safely after having had more than two drinks (‘State Wrong in Its Claim About DUI,’ Letters to the Editor, Jan. 12.)” His “proof” is the assertion that he has driven after having had “three or four cold beers, sometimes even more, while driving home. I did this without incident well over 3,000 times.”

In the same edition, The Times reported on the deaths of two motorists whose cars collided head-on, bringing the total to 11 killed on “Blood Alley,” California 126, in the last five weeks. Alcohol is suspected to be involved. Perhaps that driver used the “even more” than the three or four beers standard which Berckman wrote of in his letter. Unfortunately, Berckman neglected to advise us just how much more we can safely drink before or while driving.

For now, I think I’d like to get a description of Berckman’s car, and if ever I’m unfortunate enough to be driving anywhere near it, I can immediately take evasive action like getting as far away as I can. As for the Berckman Limit, if anyone uses that standard before or during driving, they most certainly, “beyond every conceivable doubt,” will be DUII--Driving Under the Influence of an Idiot.

LAWRENCE BERK, Ventura