"Nowhere in this country should we have laws that permit drinking and driving or drinking in vehicles that are on American highways. This is not rocket science. We know how to prevent this, and 36 states do"

Byron Dorgan’s statement underscores the importance of uniform laws prohibiting both drinking and driving and the consumption of alcohol in vehicles across all American states. He frames the issue as a matter of stark common sense, implying there is no ambiguity or complexity involved, it's not "rocket science". This deliberate wording emphasizes the self-evident dangers of mixing alcohol with vehicle operation, dismissing any notion that the problem is difficult to comprehend or solve.

The reference to 36 states indicates that the majority of the country already enforces such laws, lending further weight to his argument. It suggests there is an established precedent and a tested pathway for implementing these regulations nationwide. By pointing out that 36 states "do" have these laws, Dorgan indicates that these policies are both feasible and enforceable. This further weakens any argument against adopting such rules universally and rhetorically pressures the remaining states to align with the proven standard.

Dorgan’s position is presented as a call for responsibility, not just among drivers, but among policymakers as well. He addresses this as a matter of public safety and collective well-being, positioning any reluctance or failure to adopt these laws as a neglect of basic protective measures. The phrasing “we know how to prevent this” centers on the preventable nature of alcohol-related accidents. He suggests that the tools and knowledge to reduce such incidents are already available, and all that is lacking is broader legislative commitment.

Furthermore, Dorgan’s tone communicates urgency and a sense of moral clarity. The dangers of drinking and driving are well-documented, with considerable statistics linking alcohol consumption to traffic fatalities and injuries. His advocacy appeals both to reason and to a shared sense of responsibility to protect lives on American highways. By stripping away complexity and pointing to widespread compliance, Dorgan makes a compelling case for standardizing laws that prohibit alcohol consumption in vehicles, insisting on decisive legislative action as a non-negotiable step toward safer roads.