It’s far too easy to drink beyond the legal limit and wind up being charged with a drunk driving offense. Alcohol consumption increases a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which then affects their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

I’m Angela Arellanes, and my firm, Angela Arellanes Law, has been proudly assisting people throughout Albuquerque for over two decades. As a result, you can trust in my guidance when it comes to drunk driving offenses, no matter the details surrounding the case.

What Factors Influence BAC?

People metabolize alcohol at different rates depending on a number of factors, including:

• Weight – People with a lower body mass will typically get drunk faster than people with a higher body mass.

• Tolerance Level – The more a person drinks, the higher their tolerance will be, which can mean that it takes longer to become inebriated.

• Sex – Women usually have a higher BAC than men when drinking the same amount, as women’s body’s metabolize alcohol differently.

How Does Alcohol Affect Driving Ability?

While the above factors can play a role in a person’s level of inebriation, BAC is also greatly influenced by the number of drinks a person has. And as BAC increases, the following driving issues can occur:

• Two drinks (.02% BAC) can diminish judgement and degrade multitasking ability.
• Three drinks (.05% BAC) cause problems steering and reduced response.
• Four drinks (.08% BAC) lead to decreased concentration and difficulty with speed control.
• Five drinks (.10% BAC) decreases braking and reaction time.

Keep in mind that there is a standard drink size, and drinking more than a standard serving of alcohol can increase BAC at a faster rate. For instance, a standard serving of beer (5% alcohol) is 12 ounces, while a standard serving of wine (12% alcohol) is 5 ounces.

What Should You Do If You’re Stopped for Drunk Driving?

First, don’t panic. Comply with the officer’s requests and conduct yourself in a civil manner. Remember that a refusal of breathalyzer testing leads to an automatic license suspension.

If you’re arrested, it’s best to secure a drunk driving attorney as soon as possible. The right attorney will develop a solid defense while also ensuring that your rights have been preserved during the legal process. (505) 247-2417 to schedule a consultation at my firm. You can also contact us for more information before getting started.