After years of trying, Nevada's new .08 blood alcohol standard for drunken driving will go into effect next week. The legislation was passed this year after more than a decade of debate in the state assembly.

Mark Manendo, Assemblyman from Las Vegas, made repeated efforts to get the lower threshold and finally succeeded this year. He said in an interview that the change will make drivers more responsible and save lives.

"There was a time in our society when it was socially acceptable (to drink and drive). But not any more," said Manendo. "Public opinion has gone the other way. When you talk about drunken driving fatalities, years ago people would say that's too bad. Now they see it as murder."

"I think people are going to be more conscious about their habits," he said. "Society has to be more conscious about these things."

"We lost millions over the years anyway by not passing 0.08 until now," Manendo said. "There were federal incentive funds for states. Now, we'd also be penalized, and we couldn't do that."

More: Alcohol-Related Impairment | More About Drunk Driving