No scientific method in video

RE:Video: Media take the .05 test


I have several large problems with the recent video which shows the media “testing” the new .05 legislation with breathalyzers. The video begins with a statement from Kelowna RCMP Superintendent Bill McKinnon saying “Now why did we do this? There’s so much misinformation out there.” This video has only increased the amount of misinformation. Not only was there no scientific method used in this test (no controlling of variables or standardization), the video seemed to be suggesting that you can drink more than you would think without blowing in the “warn range” (.05-.08).

The testing was also extremely misleading do to the fact that a standard mixed drink was referred to as one ounce of alcohol, when it is in fact 1.5 ounces. One of the volunteers drank four Caesars each with an ounce of liquor, which would have been roughly 2.5 full strength drinks.

When taking all of this into account, I believe that there needs to be a disclaimer somewhere in the video making sure that people know that this is in no way a scientific, or accurate representation of blood alcohol level.


James Greenough