Final answer:
The legal limit for intoxication in most U.S. states is set at a BAC of 0.08 percent. This level is a legal threshold for impairment, and the liver metabolizes alcohol at a constant rate, unaffected by common myths such as taking showers or drinking coffee.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most states in the U.S. have set the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at 0.08 percent to define the level of intoxication. This level is considered the threshold at which an individual is deemed legally impaired for tasks such as driving. It is critical to understand that consuming alcohol affects various skills necessary for safe driving, such as reaction time, visual tracking, and cognitive processing. Once the BAC exceeds 0.08 percent, the individual is at a significantly increased risk of motor vehicle crashes and other dangers associated with alcohol intoxication.
Alcohol metabolism plays an important role in how quickly a person can return to a sober state. The liver breaks down alcohol at a relatively constant rate; however, actions like drinking coffee or taking a shower have no effect on this process. It typically takes at least five hours for a person who has reached the legal intoxication limit to sober up.