Everyone who has gone through a Drivers Ed course knows about the .08 rule. If you’re caught driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, you’re looking at fines and maybe even a suspended license and jail time. What we have to wonder is, is this still a good measurement? Or is it a little outdated at this point to apply this standard to an entire population?
What Is BAC?
BAC stands for blood alcohol content. BAC is an attempt to measure the amount of alcohol in your body at a given time. The measurement is based on the amount of alcohol, specifically the volume, that you’ve consumed.
Over the years, we’ve been presented with a few different ways for us to keep track of our BAC. Some people choose to count their drinks. Others use calculators. With both of these attempts, though, you’re really just guessing. There are a number of variables that influence the rate at which our bodies absorb alcohol, and a variety of situations that affect us all differently.
What Affects My BAC?
When you’re trying to guess what your BAC is, there is a lot that needs to be considered. The strength of your drink changes how fast your BAC will rise. As we age, alcohol’s intoxicating effects become more and more pronounced. Even your emotional state can impact your blood alcohol content level. What else can affect your BAC? Let’s take a look:
- Age
- Gender
- Body Type
- Rate of Consumption
- Fat-to-Muscle Content
- Medications
- Intolerance
- Diabetes
- Empty Stomach
As you can see, there are a wide variety of variables that change the way your body handles alcohol. Relying on counting drinks or any kind of BAC calculator to make such an important decision really isn’t such a good idea. Short of buying and carrying around your own breathalyzer, the best way to be safe is to avoid drinking and driving all together.
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If you’re pulled over for a DUI, you’ll find yourself at the end of subjective methods of field sobriety testing. Don’t let subjectivity seal your fate. Defense attorney Mark Thiessen and the team at Thiessen Law Firm can help.
Our firm has a proven track record of getting clients the results they deserve. You might be in a bad situation now, but that doesn’t mean it has to impact the rest of your life. Contact us at 713-864-9000 or use our online form to request a free consultation.
