Driving after consuming a few alcoholic beverages may not seem dangerous, but studies have shown even trace amounts of alcohol can impair a driver. Men who weigh about an average of 160 pounds only need two drinks before they start feeling the effects and experience impairment. For women who are generally much smaller, it only takes typically one, maybe two drinks before putting themselves at risk on the road.
The higher up the BAC spectrum you go, you become less aware of the speed you may be traveling at in your vehicle, and your concentration is debilitated. People may not be aware that all of these changes are occurring within their nervous system when setting out on the road and that while they feel fine, they may actually be intoxicated.
Legally, the blood alcohol content (BAC) level limit is 0.08 percent for the State of California. While this may be the level at which you can be arrested for a DUI, lower levels of BAC can still affect your driving.
At 0.01% to 0.02%:
- Reaction time is lowered
- Attention span is shortened
- Steering may become sloppy.
At 0.03% to 0.05%:
- Standing becomes more difficult
- Response time to emergency situations is dampened
- Coordination is challenging
- The time it takes to process basic information is significantly altered.
Any percentage above 0.08 is considered illegal and can result in a DUI charge. Contact our DUI lawyer in Long Beach or Orange County at West Coast Defense if you are facing charges.
