Blood Alcohol Concentration, or BAC, is one of those terms that are bandied about a lot but that few people fully understand. So, what follows is only a general overview of what the different BAC levels mean. By examining this BAC breakdown, you will hopefully come to a better understanding of what different BAC levels mean, and why the authorities take them so seriously.
The Different BAC Levels and Their Effects
It’s important to remember that like any other drug, alcohol affects different people in different ways. Therefore, you may not experience the same effects at the various BAC levels. However, most people will find that what follows accurately describes the effects that alcohol in their system will have upon them.
- Below .03 BAC: At this level, you will notice that alcohol is having an effect. You will feel less shy, and you may feel a slight sense of euphoria. You are unlikely, however, to notice any effect upon your motor skills.
- Between .04 and .06 BAC: This is the level at which you’ll notice the warm feeling that many associate with alcohol. The earlier effects will be heightened, but you may notice that your reasoning and memory are slightly affected. Certain emotions may feel more acute than they otherwise might, either good or bad.
- Between .07 and .09 BAC: This is the level at which you would be considered legally drunk if you are pulled over. At this level, many will begin to feel that their senses are affected. In addition, your motor skills and reaction time will be affected.
- Between .10 and .12 BAC: At this level, you’ll find that your motor skills and reaction time are much more affected. In addition, you may begin to slur your speech when you reach this level.
- Between .13 and .15 BAC: The depressant effects of alcohol will become much more apparent when you reach this level, and you will also begin to lose your ability to maintain your balance. Due to these and other factors, you’ll find that your ability to make sound judgments is severely limited.
- Between .16 and .19 BAC: At this level, virtually every person will appear to others as if they are fully intoxicated. Speech will be slurred, coordination will be terrible, and you will almost definitely feel nauseous.
- Between .20 and .25 BAC: Once you’ve reached this level, vomiting will be likely. In addition, you may find that you are unable to stand on your own. Your ability to perceive pain will also be dramatically reduced.
- Between .25 and .35 BAC: At this level you are basically incapacitated, although some may be able to remain cognizant in a very limited sense. Those at this level of intoxication are at a much greater risk for choking on their own vomit.
- .35 BAC and Above: If you reach this level of intoxication, you stand a risk of lapsing into a coma. Alcohol at this level will have the same effect on your body as anesthesia. Moving much higher than .35 may result in death.
Understanding BAC and Your Body
This is, of course, just a general overview, and alcohol may affect your system differently. You can always purchase a consumer Breathalyzer device to gain a more thorough understanding of how your body functions at different BAC levels. However, remember that, in the eyes of the law, .08 is the limit. If you’re pulled over and register a BAC at this level or greater, you will be arrested for a DUI. If you need a California DUI attorney who can represent you, then get in touch with me today. I can be reached at (760) 613-5384? for a free consultation.