Final answer:
To legally drive in BC, your blood alcohol concentration must be below 0.08%. The body metabolizes alcohol at about 3.3 mmol/L per hour, taking at least five hours for a legally intoxicated person to sober up.
Step-by-step explanation:
In British Columbia (BC), to legally operate a motor vehicle, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) must be below the legal limit, which is a BAC of 0.08%. This is a common threshold in many regions and is also the level used throughout almost all US states. Driving with a BAC at or above this limit can lead to legal penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.
It is important to note that the body metabolizes alcohol at a fairly consistent rate, roughly 3.3 mmol/L (or 15 mg/dL) per hour, regardless of interventions like drinking coffee or taking a shower. Hence, after consuming alcohol, it is crucial to allow sufficient time for your body to metabolize the alcohol to avoid operating a vehicle while impaired, which can take at least five hours for someone who is legally intoxicated.