Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Explained
What is considered proof of DWI based on Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?
Is a BAC of 0.08% proof of DWI for personal vehicle drivers and what about commercial vehicle drivers?
Final answer:
A BAC of 0.08% is proof of DWI for personal vehicle drivers, while a BAC of 0.04% applies to commercial vehicle drivers.
Driving under the influence of alcohol can have serious consequences, and it's important to understand the legal limits set for Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). For personal vehicle drivers, a BAC of 0.08% is considered proof of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). However, for commercial vehicle drivers, a lower threshold of 0.04% BAC is enforced.
The measurement of BAC is typically done using a Breathalyzer, a device that detects the presence of alcohol in a person's breath through a chemical reaction. This percentage indicates the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream, defining the level of intoxication.
Alcohol metabolism occurs at a steady rate of about 15 mg/dL per hour in the body. This means that over time, the body processes and eliminates alcohol from the system to return to a sober state. It's crucial to be aware of these limits and the impact of alcohol consumption on one's ability to drive safely.