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CDC: Effects of alcohol on drivers

On Behalf of | Dec 7, 2014 | Blood Alcohol Tests |

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives out a variety of useful information on a wide range of subjects: from Active Bacterial Core surveillance to Zygomycosis, the CDC covers health issues from A to Z.

One of the subjects the CDC focuses on is the effects of alcohol on people; specifically on people who are behind the wheels of motor vehicles. 

If you are pulled over by a Denver police officer and you are then subjected to a breath or blood test, and your blood alcohol content is measured at 0.02 percent, you should know that your BAC is well below the legal threshold (0.08 percent) for DUI. That does not mean the alcohol has no effect, however.

According to the CDC, typical effects on a person with a BAC of 0.02 percent include:

  • Some loss of judgment
  • An altered mood; relaxation
  • Feeling warm

The CDC says that for some people, 0.02 percent will mean a decline in their visually track rapid movements, as their ability to competently perform two tasks at once.

At 0.05 percent BAC, some people will have a level of impaired judgment and a lowering of alertness. These effects can result in reduced coordination and a reduction in their ability to react to emergency driving conditions. They might also experience a lessening of their ability to steer.

In Colorado, a driver who has a blood or breath test that registers between 0.05 percent and 0.079 percent BAC is presumed to be driving while ability impaired. This can result in a DWAI charge.

If you face a DWAI, discuss your legal options with a Denver attorney experienced in DUI and DWAI defense.

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