Effects of Blood Alcohol Concentration

0.02 - 0.039%

Some loss of judgment, relaxation, altered mood, loss of shyness

Decline in visual functions (tracking moving target), decline in ability to perform two tasks at the same time (divided attention)

0.04 - 0.059%

Relaxed, lower inhibitions, mildly euphoric, sociable, talkative, some impairment of judgment and memory

Judgment, attention, and control somewhat impaired.  Sensory-motor and finer performance are impaired.  Less able to make rational decisions about capabilities.  Federal Aviation Administration – legally impaired at 0.04% BAC.  May not consume alcohol within 8 hours of flight.

0.06 - 0.099%

Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing.  Euphoria, reduced judgment and self-control.  Impaired reasoning and memory

.08% legally intoxicated in Washington.

Muscle coordination and driving skills impaired.  Impaired perception.  Information processing reduced

0.10 - 0.129%

Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good judgment.  Speech may be slurred; balance, peripheral vision, reaction time, and hearing will be impaired.

Reduced ability to maintain lane position and brake appropriately

0.13 - 0.159%

Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control.  Blurred vision and major loss of balance. Vomiting may occur.

Substantial impairment in vehicle control, attention to driving and in necessary visual and auditory information processing. Slower glare recovery.

0.16 - 0.199%

Appearance of sloppy drunk, nausea

Impaired vision, limited ability to see detail, and peripheral vision

0.20 – 0.249%

Needs assistance walking, total mental confusion, vomiting, possible blackout and exaggerated emotional state

Vision disturbed as is perception of color, form, motion and dimensions

0.25 - 0.300%

General inertia, near total loss of motor functions, little response to stimuli, unable to stand or walk, vomiting, and incontinence.  May lose unconsciousness or fall into a stupor.

Unable to drive

0.30 - 0.500%

Alcohol poisoning and loss of consciousness.  Depressed or absent reflexes, subnormal body temperature, incontinence and impairment of circulation and respiration.

Onset of coma, possible death from respiratory arrest.

Unable to drive

DEATH MAY OCCUR  AT 0.37% OR HIGHER.

BAC’S OF 0.45% AND HIGHER ARE FATAL TO NEARLY ALL PEOPLE