Reduced coordination, reduced ability to track moving objects, difficulty steering, reduced response to emergency driving situations Some loss of judgment relaxation, slight body warmth, altered moodĭecline in visual functions (rapid tracking of a moving target), decline in ability to perform two tasks at the same time (divided attention)Įxaggerated behavior, may have loss of small-muscle control (e.g., focusing your eyes), impaired judgment, usually good feeling, lowered alertness, release of inhibition 07 g/dL.īAC is measured with a breathalyzer, a device that measures the amount of alcohol in a driver’s breath, or by a blood test.īlood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in g/dL In 2020, there were 2,041 people killed in alcohol-related crashes where a driver had a BAC of. However, even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability. 08 or higher, except in Utah where the BAC limit is. Because of this risk, it’s illegal in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to drive with a BAC of. 08 grams of alcohol per deciliter (g/dL) of blood, crash risk increases exponentially. This is called Blood Alcohol Concentration, or BAC. A person's alcohol level is measured by the weight of the alcohol in a certain volume of blood. Then it passes into the bloodstream where it accumulates until it is metabolized by the liver. Alcohol is absorbed directly through the walls of the stomach and small intestine. All these abilities are essential to operating a vehicle safely.Īs alcohol levels rise in a person’s system, the negative effects on the central nervous system increase.

Alcohol is a substance that reduces the function of the brain, impairing thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination.

Drunk drivers killed per year