Final answer:
Impairment under the BC Motor Vehicle Act begins when a person's blood alcohol content reaches 0.05%. The legal limit for intoxication is generally 0.08%, where it is illegal to drive. Alcohol's effects vary per individual, and blood or breath tests can verify intoxication levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the BC Motor Vehicle Act, impairment due to alcohol begins when a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches 0.05%. It's important to note that the effects of alcohol on the body and behavior can vary considerably between individuals due to factors such as age, sex, and pre-existing health conditions.
Verification of intoxication levels can be conducted using blood or breath testing. Alcohol consumption at lower doses may cause mild sedation and poor coordination, while higher doses can lead to more serious effects such as slurred speech, trouble walking, and even life-threatening respiratory depression, coma, or death.
The legal limit for intoxication is commonly set at a BAC of 0.08%, beyond which it is illegal to drive in most US states. However, impairment and the consequent decline in the performance of tasks requiring skill and judgment can begin at lower levels such as 0.05%.