Alcohol Driving Limits
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Drinking and Driving is a Risky Propostition
As most people enjoy an alcoholic beverage from time to time, the rates increase around the holiday season. Therefore, as you are heading out to holiday parties be sure you know your own limits. Take a breathalyzer with you and keep the roads safe for everyone. We all have loved ones who want to see us come home safe.
The legal drinking age in the US is 21, if you are under that age please respect the law and wait until you turn 21.
Definition of Blood Alcohol Content
The concentration of alcohol in the blood, expressed as the weight of alcohol in a fixed volume of blood and used as a measure of the degree of intoxication in an individual. The concentration depends on body weight, the quantity and rate of alcohol ingestion, and the rates of alcohol absorption and metabolism. Photo courtesy of Håkan Dahlström under CC license on Fotopedia
Definition from theThe Free Dictionary.
Know Your Limits and Drive Safe
Legal Blood Alcohol Content by Country
Country
Legal BAC
Country
Legal BAC
Albania
0.01
Algeria
0.01
Argentina
0.05
Armenia
0
Australia
0.05
Austria
0.05
Azerbaijan
0
Belarus
0.05
Belgium
0.05
Bolivia
0.07
Bosnia/Herz
0.05
Botswana
0.08
Brazil
0
Bulgaria
0.05
Cambodia
0.05
Canada
0.08
Columbia
0
Costa Rica
0.049
China
0.05
Croatia
0.05
Czech Republic
0
Denmark
0.05
Ecuador
0.07
El Salvador
0.05
Estonia
0.02
Ethiopia
0
Finland
0.05
France
0.05
Georgia
0.03
Germany
0.05
*Source: International Center for Alcohol Policies, 2009
The safest level is always 0.00!
Legal BAC Limits Cont.
Country
Legal BAC
Country
Legal BAC
Greece
0.05
Guatemala
0.08
Honduras
0.07
Hungary
0
Iceland
0.05
India
0.03
Ireland
0.08
Israel
0.05
Italy
0.05
Japan
0.03
Kenya
0.08
Kyrgystan
0.05
Latvia
0.049
Lithuania
0.04
Luxembourg
0.08
Macedonia
0.05
Malaysia
0.08
Malta
0.08
Mauritius
0.05
Mexico
0.08
Moldova
0.03
Mongolia
0.02
Nepal
0
The Netherlands
0.05
New Zealand
0.08
Nicaragua
0.08
Norway
0.02
Panama
0
Paraguay
0.08
Peru
0.05
*Source: International Center for Alcohol Policies, 2009
Test Your Alcoholic Beverage Knowledge
Legal BAC Limits Cont.
Country
Legal BAC
Country
Legal BAC
Philippines
0.05
Poland
0.02
Portugal
0.05
Romania
0
Russia
0.03
Singapore
0.08
Slovak Rep.
0.02
Slovenia
0.05
South Africa
0.05
Rep. South Korea
0.052
Spain
0.05
Sweden
0.02
Switzerland
0.05
Thailand
0.05
Turkey
0.05
Turkmenistan
0.03
Uganda
0.05
United Kingdom
0.08
United States
0.08
Uraguay
0.03
Venezuela
0.05
Zimbabwe
0.08
*Source: International Center for Alcohol Policies, 2009
Factors That Affect BAC Levels
Blood alcohol content is affected by several different factors and is not the same for any two people. BAC levels are influenced by the amount of alcohol consumed and the time frame in which it was consumed. Metabolic rates in addition to absorption rates will also affect BAC levels. The amount of food consumed before drinking can help with absorption but it will also depend upon body weight, bender, and drinking patterns.Photo Courtesy of Mr. Thomas under CC license on Flickr
A 140-pound man will reach the legal BAC level of 0.08 after approximately 3 drinks. Whereas a 240-pound man will reach the same level after approximately 5 drinks.
In contrast, a 100-pound woman will surpass the legal limit of 0.08 after only 2 drinks and a 180-pound woman will not reach the legal limit until approximately 3 drinks are consumed.
For a full list of blood alcohol content by body weight and drinks consumed click here.
Driving Under the Influence, Is it Worth It?
Photos Courtesy of ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd. on Flickr under CC license.
Gauging BAC
When gauging a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) there are certain signs to look for. A person with a low BAC (typically .01-.06) will feel relaxed with their thoughts, judgments, and coordination becoming impaired.Photo courtesy of Lanz on Flickr under CC license
In the next level of BAC (.06-.10), drinkers are becoming or are already legally drunk. They will experience loss of inhibitions and their reflexes, depth perception, reasoning, and vision will become impaired.
With a BAC of .11 to .20 drinkers, are prone to emotional swings, sadness or anger, and their reaction times and speech will become impaired.
At a BAC of .21 to .29 blackouts and stupor are possible with severe impairment of motor skills.
A BAC level of .30 to .39 can cause severe depression, unconsciousness, and impairment of breathing and heart rate. There is also a significant chance of alcohol poisoning with BAC levels this high.
A BAC level >.40 death is a possibility as breathing and heart rates are severely impaired. Other accidents are likely in this condition as well as an increased chance of alcohol poisoning.
Test Yourself to Avoid Driving Over the Limit
BACtrack Select S80 Breathalyzer Professional Edition
Amazon Price: $134.00 (as of 05/27/2012)
There are several personal breathalyzers on the market today however not all are approved by the FDA and the U.S. Department of Transportation like the BACtrack Select S80 Breathalyzer. This machine has met the rigorous standards of expert alcohol screeners. If you are going out during the holiday season or any other time, why not make sure you are legally allowed to drive. The S80Pro features a one-button operation that will give you an accurate reading in seconds. The refresh time on the machine allows you to test again after only 10-20 seconds. The breathalyzer runs on two AA batteries and will provide 1,500 tests before the batteries need replacing. It is the size of cell phone so it is easily portable and concealable in even the smallest clutch purses or pockets. As a bonus, this machine comes with replaceable hygienic mouthpieces so you can help keep you friends and family safe as well. There is no guarantee that this machine will keep you from getting in an accident but it can provide you accurate results that allow you to make an informed decision on your ability to drive safely.
Designated Drivers are the best way to ensure safety!
More Breathalyzer Options
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Share your way to stay safe.
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Deadicated
Jan 7, 2012 @ 4:35 pm | delete
- I decided to never get a drivers license and people on the sidewalk should be grateful. Lol But seriously, I've arrived at many o Grateful Dead concert thanks to a designated driver or mass transit.
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davespeed
Dec 21, 2011 @ 3:53 pm | delete
- Having a designated driver is the best way to stay safe.
-
Need a Ride or Help?
- National Directory of Designated Driver Services
- Check to see if your country offers a designated driver service.
- Taxi Services
- Taxi Services Directory from 1-800-TAXI-CAB: Taxi services nationwide. The only taxi number you will ever need.
- Alcohol Drug Abuse Addiction Rehab Treatment Center Program Help
- Alcohol drug addiction rehab treatment center help find addiction substance abuse recovery alcoholism program or alcoholic facilities help and information.
- Information on rehabilitation centers, drugs, alcohol and more | Alcohol Abuse Hotline
- If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism and you want to talk about it, we are here 24/7.
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- The 12 step program to a life without alcohol.
Stay Within Your Limits
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