Various factors have an impact on how alcohol affects a specific person’s body. No two people react to alcohol in the body in exactly the same way. A person’s body size, as well as his or her physical condition and gender, affect alcohol concentration in a body, as well as a person’s sleep habits or whether they have taken any type of medication before drinking. When a Missouri driver is impaired by alcohol, it often has disastrous results.
What exactly is blood alcohol concentration (BAC)?
The amount of alcohol a person has in his or her bloodstream is measured in milligrams per milliliters. More specifically, a BAC is a measurement of milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. In Missouri, if a person is of legal age to consume alcohol, he or she becomes prohibited from operating a motor vehicle once his or her BAC is .08 or higher.
Impairment begins when BAC is as low as .02
Just because .08 is the legal BAC limit for operation of motor vehicle for most drivers, it does not mean a person cannot be impaired at a lower BAC level. In fact, studies show that loss of judgement and declined visual function often occurs when BAC is as low as .02, and .05 BAC may cause loss of muscle control and lack of coordination. At the legal limit and beyond, it would not be uncommon for a person’s speech to slur or for him or her to have trouble walking straight.
Drunk drivers are a menace to Missouri roadways
If someone disregards the law regarding consumption of alcohol and operation of a motor vehicle, any pedestrian or other motorist nearby is at risk for injury. Sadly, many fatal collisions in Missouri are caused by drunk drivers. If a person survives injuries caused in drunk driving collision, he or she may seek justice by filing a personal injury claim in a civil court.
