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How do different levels of alcohol affect driving ability?

On Behalf of | Nov 26, 2019 | DUI/DWI |

Due to the risk of a crash, it is illegal in all 50 states to drive if you have a blood alcohol concentration level of .08% or above.

But what if your BAC level is only .02% or .05%? Take a look at different levels to see how they affect your ability to drive safely.

About alcohol absorption

When you drink alcohol, your body absorbs it directly into the stomach and the small intestine. From there, it travels into the bloodstream, where it remains until the liver metabolizes it. When you take a breath test to determine your blood alcohol concentration level, the results represent the weight of the alcohol you consumed within a certain volume of blood.

Looking at levels

A blood alcohol concentration level of .08% will reduce your reaction time. It will be more difficult for you to react to an emergency. This level of alcohol in your system will impair your vision, speech and balance along with your judgment and ability to process information correctly.

At .10%, you will experience a marked deterioration in reaction time and vehicle control. Even if you only have a BAC of .02%, your attention will wander easily, you will have loss of judgment and you will also have some visual impairment. At .05% you will have problems with coordination and focusing. You may also have difficulty steering.

Issues with DUI arrests

While drinking any amount of alcohol is not a good idea when you intend to drive, it is also true that law enforcement officers can make mistakes when making an arrest for DUI. Additionally, a breath test can present flawed results. The machine may not be calibrated correctly, or medication rather than a glass of wine could account for the alcohol in your system.

These are the types of issues an investigation by an experienced defense team may uncover. If you face DUI charges, it is critical to speak with a lawyer to develop a defense strategy to minimize the harsh penalties of a conviction in Georgia.