Responsible Serving
Blood Alcohol ContentAlcohol is an intoxicating agent found in fermented and distilled liquors. Intoxicating agent is a more technical term for the common word drug. Alcohol is a depressant drug that directly affects the central nervous system. Many people drink alcohol precisely to feel those effects. But not every individual will feel the same way or be affected in the same manner. When a person drinks alcohol, it passes through several organs and makes its way to the bloodstream. Therefore, a measurement of intoxication can be accomplished by estimating one’s blood alcohol content or BAC. Blood alcohol content (or concentration) is the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream, expressed as a percentage. This is often estimated using a per drink formula. A widely accepted estimate of BAC is two standard drinks consumed in one hour result in a BAC of approximately 0.04%. Further consumption of one drink per hour will sustain that level. (You will soon find that alcohol is not the only factor that influences this number.) Since intoxication impairs driving ability, every state in the US uses BAC measurements as a standard for the legal operation of a motor vehicle. An individual is considered to be driving while intoxicated if the BAC meets or exceeds .08%..
Next Page –> |