Final answer:
Implied consent means that by driving, individuals have agreed to undergo testing for blood alcohol concentration, such as a Breathalyzer test. This ties into laws and advocacy aiming to curb the dangers of driving under the influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Implied consent is a legal concept that means by obtaining a driver's license and driving on public roads, drivers have agreed in advance to take a blood alcohol concentration test if they are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. The Breathalyzer reaction is a common method for measuring this, where the ethanol in a person's breath is oxidized in a portable device, resulting in a color change that can be correlated to the blood alcohol level. The immediate effect of alcohol on an individual and their ability to perform coordinated movements, like those assessed during a Field Sobriety Test, is contingent upon their BAC, which can be influenced by various factors such as age, sex, and health condition.
A BAC of 0.08% by volume is considered the legal limit in many US states. With levels above this, penalties and the severity of impairment rise, and the risks on the road increase. In enforcement of driving laws, agencies such as Mothers Against Driving have advocated for stringent measures like the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which has led to a standardized legal drinking age across states to reduce the likelihood of driving incidents.