Many business professionals may have heard the term BAC floating around, but few may be familiar with what it stands for and the implications it can have. BAC stands for “blood alcohol concentration,” and it is the amount of alcohol that is present in the bloodstream and is used to measure the degree of intoxication. The higher the BAC, the heavier the degree of intoxication and the more likely a person is to experience effects such as impaired judgments, slowed reflexes, and a lack of coordination.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines impairment levels for driving based on BAC measurements. Generally, an adult is considered legally impaired and is at risk for criminal charges if their BAC level is 0.08 or higher. Every state has different rules and regulations—in some states, the legal limit can be higher or lower—so it is important to understand the limits in your state for a safe and legal driving experience.
Understanding Risk Factors
As mentioned, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is calculated based on the amount of alcohol consumed over a period of time. Different factors—such as size, weight, and gender—affect how alcohol is metabolized reducing the time it takes for one to reach a certain BAC level. If the individual has had a high number of drinks quickly or over a short period of time, his or her blood alcohol concentration will go up more quickly and can reach dangerous levels.
The Sobering Implications of BAC
The legal implications of being above the legal BAC limit can be sobering. Depending on the state, legal fallout can range from license suspension to prosecution for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). In addition to that, even if a person stays below the limit, he or she can still be arrested due to the officer’s judgment of impairment due to the consumption of alcohol. It’s important to be aware of your BAC level and act accordingly to avoid legal trouble.
Adults of legal drinking age should drink responsibly and understand the effects of alcohol. Knowing the implications of BAC and being aware of impairment levels can ensure a safe and healthy drinking experience.